These tender, pesto-stuffed meatballs get gobbled up in our house. They’re short on ingredients, but packed with flavor. I always make a double batch, freezing the other half for a busy night.

  • Total Time

    Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

  • Makes

    4 servings

Ingredients

    • 6 ounces uncooked whole grain spaghetti
    • 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
    • 2 tablespoons prepared pesto
    • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 pound lean ground chicken
    • 1-1/2 cups marinara sauce
    • 1/4 cup water
    • Torn fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions

  • Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
  • In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, pesto, cheese and garlic powder. Add chicken; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-in. balls.
  • In a large skillet, brown meatballs over medium heat, turning occasionally. Add sauce and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until meatballs are cooked through, about 5 minutes. Serve with spaghetti. If desired, top with basil and additional cheese. Freeze option: Freeze cooled meatball mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a covered saucepan over low heat, stirring gently and adding a little water if necessary.

Test Kitchen tips

  • If you don’t have dry bread crumbs, substitute with an equal amount of unsalted cracker crumbs or uncooked oats, or use 3/4 cup soft bread crumbs.
  • Overmixing ground meat causes meat loaves, meatballs and burgers to have an unappealing firm and compact texture.
  • Mixing the seasonings and any bread crumbs or liquid ingredients before adding the meat helps blend the flavors without over-handling the meat.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup meatball mixture with 1 cup spaghetti: 422 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.