Hey you. This garlic herb spaghetti with chicken meatballs is everything. Juicy chicken meatballs, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a garlic herb sauce that makes your taste buds happy.
And you know what? This is way better than takeout. You get to control the seasoning, and the chicken meatballs? Soft, tender, and full of flavor.
Let me show you how to make it.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
Important Info
- Servings: 4 plates
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $12 for all the ingredients
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Calories per serving: 520 kcal
- Cook method: Stovetop
- Season: Perfect all year round
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diets: High Protein
How to Make Garlic Herb Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients you need
For the Chicken Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Garlic Herb Spaghetti
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Ground chicken | Ground turkey |
| Breadcrumbs | Crushed crackers or oats |
| Parmesan cheese | Any hard cheese or nutritional yeast |
| Dried oregano | Italian seasoning |
| Spaghetti | Any pasta of your choice |
| Butter | Olive oil |
| Fresh parsley | Dried parsley |
Instructions
- Boil the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Form the meatballs: Scoop small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to a plate.
- Make the garlic herb sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for 1 minute.
- Add the spaghetti: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet. Add parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Finish with cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top and stir.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve hot.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. If you do, the meatballs will be tough.
- Cook the spaghetti al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when tossed in the sauce.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for the best flavor.
- If you want a creamy version, add ½ cup of heavy cream to the garlic herb sauce.
- Make a big batch of meatballs and freeze some for later.
What to Serve with Garlic Herb Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs
This dish is great on its own, but you can make it even better with:
- Garlic bread – Toasted and crispy for dipping.
- Roasted vegetables – A side of roasted broccoli or asparagus adds freshness.
- A simple salad – Something light to balance the richness.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I love serving this straight from the pan into plates. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top makes it look fancy. If you want to be extra, serve it with a drizzle of olive oil.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is great for:
- Family dinners – It’s comforting and filling.
- Date nights – Looks fancy but is super easy to make.
- Meal prep – It stores well and reheats beautifully.
- Potlucks – Bring it in a large dish, and watch it disappear.
Storage
Short-term storage (Room Temperature)
- If you’re eating within 2 hours, just leave it covered on the stove.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave.
Freezing
- Meatballs freeze well. Cook them, let them cool, and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- For spaghetti, freeze it without the sauce for better texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use beef instead of chicken for the meatballs?
Yes, you can. Just note that beef has more fat, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it works.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes. Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and gluten-free pasta for the spaghetti.
How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure to use enough breadcrumbs and egg to bind the mixture. If it still feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The meatballs are soft, and the garlic herb sauce is mild. If your kids don’t like spice, just skip the red pepper flakes.
