The end of August/beginning of September always makes me get into Autumn mode. This year, it felt a bit harder to say “Goodbye” to the Summer so I’m slowly easing into more Fall-appropriate recipes. This Spaghetti Squash with Chicken Meatballs recipe was perfect as it has the fresh taste of the spaghetti squash and the comfort of the meatballs. It is easy to make and full of flavor thanks to the fresh herbs.

Spaghetti Squash With Chicken Meatballs

Ingredients

Spaghetti Squash

2 Medium Spaghetti Squash, halved with seeds removed
1 Tbsp. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
½ tsp each Chili Powder and Cumin
Salt

Meatballs

1 lb. Ground Chicken (Ground beef, pork, turkey, etc. would work too).
½ cup Panko Bread Crumbs
¼ cup Parmesan, freshly grated, plus more for serving (optional)
1 Medium Onion, finely chopped
1 large egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp each Parsley and Chives, Freshly Chopped, plus more for serving
1 Tbsp Milk
Salt and Pepper
1 Tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Butter
¼ cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (or water)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and drizzle cut sides with oil*. Season with salt, chili powder, and cumin before placing them cut side down on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Roast until tender, 30 to 35 minutes. At this time, you can make the meatballs on the stove top (view steps below). Once the squash is cooked, remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly. Using a fork, break up into squash strands.

*If you need a bit of visual guidance for preparing the squash, this YouTube video can give you a better idea.

Meatballs

As the squash bakes, stir the ground meat, bread crumbs, Parmesan, onion, egg, garlic, parsley, chives, and milk in a large bowl until combined. Season with salt and pepper and form the mixture into 1½” balls.

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil until it shimmers. Add butter, allow it to melt and sear the meatballs on all sides until golden, about 4 minutes. Add in the chicken broth and cover. Allow this to simmer until meatballs are cooked through (about 6 more minutes).

Serve the squash strands, place meatballs on top, and garnish with parsley, parmesan, and extra spices if more heat is desired.

Enjoy!

Related:

Butternut Squash Carbonara Recipe
Vegetable Soup with Butternut Squash Recipe
Chickpea Meatballs in Vegetable Sauce Recipe