Vegetarian Spaghetti with Meatballs

Delight in the comforting flavors of this Vegetarian Spaghetti with Meatballs, a hearty twist on the classic Italian favorite! Featuring tender, savory "meatballs" made from chickpeas, mushrooms, and whole wheat breadcrumbs, this recipe is a wholesome and satisfying meat-free alternative. Tossed in a rich, garlicky marinara sauce and served over al dente whole wheat spaghetti, this dish is packed with fiber, protein, and a medley of herbs for an irresistibly flavorful meal. Perfect for vegetarians and those seeking a healthy yet indulgent dinner idea, this recipe is easily customizable with Parmesan or a plant-based cheese substitute. Ready in just under an hour, it's a simple yet impressive dish that brings comfort and nutrition to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti (dry, preferably whole wheat)
• 1 cup chickpeas (cooked and drained)
• 1 cup mushrooms (finely chopped)
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or use vegetarian substitute)
• 1 small onion (finely minced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 large egg (optional, can use flaxseed egg substitute)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 4 quarts water (for boiling pasta)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a blender or food processor, combine chickpeas, chopped mushrooms, breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), minced onion, garlic, egg (or flaxseed substitute), parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture comes together but still has some texture.

Step 3

Form the mixture into small, golf ball-sized 'meatballs' using your hands. Place them on a plate and set aside.

Step 4

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 'meatballs' in batches and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add marinara sauce and stir in red chili flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 6

Add the cooked 'meatballs' to the marinara sauce and gently toss to coat. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Divide the cooked spaghetti among plates or bowls. Ladle the marinara sauce and meatballs on top.

Step 8

Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(5533.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2651.4

Total Fat 79.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 221.7mg	0%
Sodium 4979.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 396.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 50.9g	0%
Total Sugars 42.6g
Protein 109.6g	0%

Vitamin D 55IU	0%
Calcium 1005.9mg	0%
Iron 25.4mg	0%
Potassium 2527.1mg	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: 26.0%

Protein: 16.0%

Carbs: 58.0%