Spaghetti with Chicken Pine Nut Meatballs

Elevate your pasta night with this irresistible Spaghetti with Chicken Pine Nut Meatballs recipe—a delightful fusion of tender, oven-baked chicken meatballs and a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. The meatballs are made with toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a hint of garlic, delivering a nutty crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite. Simmered to perfection in a savory tomato sauce infused with oregano, red pepper flakes, and onions, the dish is served over perfectly cooked spaghetti for a classic Italian-inspired dinner. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this crowd-pleasing meal is as easy to make as it is delicious. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for a restaurant-quality finish that’s sure to impress. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy family gathering, this recipe is a comforting twist on a timeless favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 0.25 cup pine nuts
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 small yellow onion
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.25 cup fresh basil
• 0.25 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2

Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Let them cool.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, toasted pine nuts, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.

Step 4

Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 5

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and water. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.

Step 8

Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and gently stir to coat. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 9

Serve the spaghetti topped with chicken pine nut meatballs and sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1930.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2313.5

Total Fat 110.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.1g
Cholesterol 626.5mg	0%
Sodium 2426.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 209.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.9g	0%
Total Sugars 44.4g
Protein 147.2g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 654.6mg	0%
Iron 23.8mg	0%
Potassium 5811.1mg	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: 41.1%

Protein: 24.3%

Carbs: 34.6%