Oven Roasted Meatballs With Spaghetti
Oven roasted meatballs with spaghetti offer a hearty, flavorful meal combining tender turkey meatballs with wholesome whole wheat pasta and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish balances savory flavors with fresh parsley for a satisfying experience.
Ingredients
- 2 slices white bread, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 small zucchini (8 oz.), shredded ⓘ
- 1 large egg white ⓘ
- 1/3 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, crushed with garlic press
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 pound lean ground turkey breasts ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) package whole wheat spaghetti ⓘ
- 1 (26 oz.) jar pasta sauce ⓘ
- chopped parsley for garnish ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- In a large bowl, mix bread, shredded zucchini, egg white, grated Romano or Parmesan cheese, crushed garlic, and black pepper until evenly moistened.
- Add ground turkey to the mixture and mix just until evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through and browned.
- While the meatballs are baking, cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Heat the pasta sauce in a large skillet or saucepan.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the sauce, tossing to combine.
- Serve the meatballs over the spaghetti, garnished with chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra moisture, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of chicken broth to the meatball mixture. If you don't have Romano cheese, Parmesan is a great substitute. You can also use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different flavor. To save time, you can prepare the meatballs ahead and freeze them before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs and spaghetti with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness. A side salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish. For a hearty meal, consider serving it alongside Italian recipes like Tomato Zucchini Stew or a light Pasta Salad (Italian Style) to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the meatballs in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. The spaghetti can be reheated in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Roasted Meatballs With Spaghetti contains roughly 1391 calories, with 79g protein, 198g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (189% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (160% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2458mg per serving (107% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs up to a day in advance. Simply form the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld and can make your dinner prep even quicker.
What can I use instead of zucchini?
If you don't have zucchini, finely shredded carrots or bell peppers can work as great substitutes. They will add a different flavor and texture but still keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bread for the meatballs and opt for gluten-free spaghetti. Check the pasta sauce for gluten-free certification to ensure all components fit your dietary needs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).