No Red Meat Spaghetti with “Meatballs”
Description:
A hearty and comforting spaghetti dish featuring flavourful meatballs made from chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives, served in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner without red meat.
No Red Meat Spaghetti with Meatballs is a modern twist on a classic favourite, offering a delicious and inclusive option for those avoiding red meat. What makes this recipe special is its versatility—whether you choose succulent chicken, juicy turkey, or a plant-based alternative, each meatball is packed with herby flavours and a satisfying tenderness. The rich tomato sauce envelops the spaghetti and meatballs, delivering a comforting, homely aroma that invites everyone to the table. As you tuck in, the experience is a harmony of textures: the meatballs are soft yet hearty, the pasta perfectly al dente, and the sauce luscious, creating a meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent. Every bite is a celebration of family-friendly goodness, proving you don’t need red meat for a memorable feast.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
No Red Meat Spaghetti with “Meatballs”
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients and mix until well blended.
- Shape mixture into 1–1.5 inch meatballs and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 15–20 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
- While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing flavours to combine.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain.
- Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti, garnished with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavour, sear meatballs in a skillet before baking.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.
- Add sautéed vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to the sauce for more nutrition.
- Make ahead: meatballs can be prepared and frozen, then added to sauce when ready to serve.
