Spaghetti with tomato sauce and meatballs
Chicken meatballs with tomato sauce and spaghetti – a simple and delicious recipe, perfect for making use of leftover chicken in the fridge, transforming it into a savory dish that will delight the whole family.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
A brief history of the recipe
Meatballs are a dish that has crossed cultural boundaries, being found in numerous cuisines around the world. They are often made from minced meat, vegetables, and various spices, with each region having its own variation. The combination with tomato sauce and pasta is a classic choice, full of comfort and flavors, perfect for family meals or quick lunches.
Ingredients for meatballs:
- ½ chicken breast (about 250-300g), boiled and minced
- 1 egg
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1-2 slices of stale bread (2-3 days old)
- 1 small cup of milk
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- oil for frying
Ingredients for tomato sauce:
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1-2 tablespoons pepper paste
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For serving:
- 100g spaghetti per person
Preparation:
1. Preparing the meatballs:
In a large bowl, add the minced chicken. Add the egg, crushed garlic, bread soaked in milk (well squeezed and crumbled), salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and chopped parsley. Mix everything with a spatula or your hands, ensuring that the ingredients are well incorporated. It is important for the mixture to be homogeneous to obtain beautiful and tasty meatballs.
2. Shaping the meatballs:
With wet hands, shape the meatballs to the desired size. They can be small for even and quick frying, or larger, depending on preferences. Place them on a plate.
3. Frying the meatballs:
In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove the meatballs onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
4. Preparing the tomato sauce:
In the same pan, add a little olive oil (if necessary) and sauté the red onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the tomato juice and pepper paste. Season with salt, pepper, and basil, allowing the sauce to simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Cooking the pasta:
In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain well.
6. Assembling the dish:
On each plate, place a bed of spaghetti, then add the tomato sauce and the meatballs on top. You can garnish with chopped fresh parsley or grated parmesan for extra flavor.
Practical tips:
- If you want a more intense flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of grated cheese to the meatball mixture.
- For a healthier option, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- Instead of spaghetti, you can use whole grain or gluten-free pasta, adapting to dietary preferences.
- The tomato sauce can be customized with hot peppers or mushrooms for added flavor.
Nutritional benefits:
This chicken meatball recipe is a healthy option, rich in protein due to the chicken, and packed with vitamins from the vegetables. It also contains carbohydrates from the pasta, providing energy. It is a balanced dish that can be included in various diets.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use minced meat from another type of meat?
Yes, you can use pork or beef. Each variant will bring a different flavor.
2. What can I use instead of stale bread?
Toast bread or even oats can be excellent options.
3. How can I make the sauce spicier?
You can add chili flakes or Tabasco sauce to the tomato sauce.
This chicken meatball recipe with tomato sauce and spaghetti is not just a practical solution for leftover meat, but also a true culinary delight. I encourage you to try it, put your personal touch on it, and enjoy every bite. Bon appétit!
Ingredients: For meatballs: 1/2 chicken breast 1 egg 1-2 cloves of garlic 1-2 slices of stale bread (2-3 days old) 1 cup of milk salt and pepper to taste 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano and basil 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley 1-2 tablespoons breadcrumbs oil for frying For the tomato sauce: 1 red onion 2 cloves of garlic 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1-2 teaspoons bell pepper paste salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil For serving: 100 grams of spaghetti per person
