High Protein Spaghetti with Meatballs and Cheese

Elevate your classic comfort food game with this High Protein Spaghetti with Meatballs and Cheese, a wholesome twist on a beloved dinner staple. This protein-packed recipe swaps traditional pasta for nutrient-rich chickpea spaghetti and features tender, flavor-loaded meatballs made with lean ground turkey or chicken, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Simmered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey, golden mozzarella cheese, this dish is both nutritious and indulgent. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor. Garnished with fresh basil, this family-favorite recipe is a delicious way to include more protein while satisfying pasta cravings.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Chickpea spaghetti
• 1 lb Lean ground turkey or chicken
• 1 large Egg
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 24 oz Marinara sauce
• 1 cup Part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 2 for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Directions

Step 1

Cook the chickpea spaghetti according to the packaging instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey or chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3

Using your hands, form the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 20-24 meatballs).

Step 4

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. (They do not need to be fully cooked yet.)

Step 5

Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the meatballs. Cover and let simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

Step 6

While the meatballs are simmering, preheat the oven broiler on high.

Step 7

Transfer the cooked chickpea spaghetti to a large oven-safe dish or skillet. Pour the marinara sauce with meatballs over the spaghetti and mix gently to combine.

Step 8

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish.

Step 9

Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 10

Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1773.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2974.2

Total Fat 122.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.3g
Cholesterol 670.6mg	0%
Sodium 5502.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 262.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 56.8g	0%
Total Sugars 29.8g
Protein 230.4g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 1331.7mg	0%
Iron 27.2mg	0%
Potassium 4421.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.8%

Protein: 30.0%

Carbs: 34.2%