Spaghetti & Chicken Meatballs with No-Cook Tomato Sauce

4.5
(4)
3 Reviews

This crowd-pleasing and easy dinner recipe takes just 20 minutes to make, start to finish, so it's perfect for weeknights! When tomatoes are at their in-season best, just a quick chop and a few ingredients are all you need to make a spaghetti sauce in minutes. Store-bought chicken meatballs keep the low-effort theme going all the way to the table.

By
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD
A portrait of Breana Killeen, M.P.H., RD
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H, RD, is a Chinese and Jewish chef and dietitian who has worked in all facets of the food world. She is a recipe developer, culinary nutritionist and marketing specialist with more than 15 years of experience creating editorial and digital content for top food and kitchen brands.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on April 19, 2024
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
6608286.jpg
Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
8 cups
Nutrition Profile:
Nut-Free Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity Soy-Free High-Fiber High-Protein Egg-Free Low-Calorie
Jump to Nutrition Facts
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Ingredients

  • 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti

  • 4 cups chopped ripe tomatoes (about 1 3/4 pounds)

  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 16 fully cooked refrigerated Italian-style chicken meatballs (see Tip)

  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain.

  2. Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, basil, garlic and 2 tablespoons oil in a medium bowl.

  3. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat; add the tomato mixture and toss to coat. Serve the spaghetti with the meatballs and sauce, topped with Parmesan. Garnish with more basil, if desired.

Tips

Tip: Smart Shortcut: Keep a package of chicken meatballs on hand for a quick dinner hack. Look for them in your grocery store's meat department.

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, June 2019

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

497 Calories
22g Fat
53g Carbs
27g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 2 cups
Calories 497
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 53g 19%
Dietary Fiber 8g 28%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 27g 53%
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 69mg 23%
Vitamin A 2261IU 45%
Vitamin C 30mg 33%
Folate 77mcg 19%
Sodium 674mg 29%
Calcium 102mg 8%
Iron 3mg 17%
Magnesium 103mg 25%
Potassium 766mg 16%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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