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Spaghetti and meatballs has been one of my favorite meals for as long as I can remember.
It was one of Mom’s specialties when I was growing up. She would make huge pots of homemade tomato sauce with meatballs and Italian sausage, letting everything simmer on the stove for hours.
The house smelled wonderful, and dinner was always worth waiting for.
These days, I still love a good bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. I just tend to make simpler, lighter versions, like this WeightWatchers Spaghetti and Chicken Meatballs.
Made with lean ground chicken breast, whole wheat spaghetti and a quick homemade tomato sauce, it’s a satisfying pasta dinner that comes together in one skillet and a pot for the pasta.
And unlike Mom’s big batches, this recipe makes a manageable six servings.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs
- Easy Recipe Variations
- How I Learned to Enjoy Pasta with WW
- How to Make Your Spaghetti Dinner More Filling
- How Many Calories and WW Points?
- Weight Watchers Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- More Easy Meatball Recipes You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A lighter take on a classic. Ground chicken breast replaces traditional ground beef in the meatballs.
- Simple homemade sauce. Canned tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, garlic and basil create an easy sauce.
- Whole wheat spaghetti. Adds fiber and a slightly nutty flavor.
- Easy skillet cooking. Brown the meatballs, make the sauce and finish cooking the meatballs in the same skillet.
- A family favorite. All the familiar comfort of spaghetti and meatballs in a lighter, everyday version.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this easy spaghetti and chicken meatballs recipe.
For the Chicken Meatballs
- Ground chicken breast: A lean alternative to ground beef that works beautifully in meatballs.
- Eggs: Help hold the meatballs together.
- Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs: Add texture and seasoning.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the meatballs a little extra savory flavor.
- Salt: Brings out the flavors.
For the Tomato Sauce and Spaghetti
- Olive oil: Used for browning the meatballs and sautéing the aromatics.
- Onion: Adds flavor and sweetness to the sauce.
- Garlic: An essential ingredient in a simple tomato sauce.
- Dried basil: Adds familiar Italian-inspired flavor.
- Canned diced tomatoes: Form the base of the sauce.
- Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and gives it a richer tomato flavor.
- Whole wheat spaghetti: A hearty, fiber-rich alternative to regular spaghetti.
How to Make Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs
This recipe is easier than you might think. The meatballs and sauce cook in the same skillet, so there’s less cleanup.
Step 1: Make the Chicken Meatballs
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese and salt.
Mix just until everything is blended. Overmixing can make meatballs tough.
With lightly moistened hands, shape the mixture into 18 meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet (affiliate link) over medium-high heat.
Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes.
They don’t need to be completely cooked through yet because they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
Add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil to the skillet.
Stir in the onion, garlic and dried basil.
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften.
Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Meatballs
Return the meatballs to the skillet.
Cover and simmer for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Because these are made with ground chicken, they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
Meanwhile, cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package directions.
Drain well.
Step 6: Serve
Divide the spaghetti evenly among six bowls.
Top each serving with three chicken meatballs and a generous spoonful of tomato sauce.
Add a little extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.
Easy Recipe Variations
This is a flexible recipe with plenty of room for small changes.
- Use ground turkey. Extra-lean ground turkey breast works well in place of ground chicken.
- Try regular spaghetti. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber, but regular spaghetti works just as well.
- Add vegetables to the sauce. Mushrooms, grated carrots, zucchini or chopped spinach are all good options.
- Make the sauce smoother. Use crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes if you prefer a less chunky sauce.
- Add a little heat. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives the sauce a spicy kick.
How I Learned to Enjoy Pasta with WW
I can’t imagine life without the occasional bowl of pasta.
And thanks to WeightWatchers, I’ve learned that I don’t have to.
With time, practice and plenty of patience, I’ve figured out how to make room for my favorites—including pasta, wine, chocolate and ice cream.
Sometimes that means choosing a lighter version of a recipe. Other times it means enjoying a smaller portion of the original.
This spaghetti and chicken meatballs recipe is a good example of making a few simple changes without giving up a meal I love.
For me, that’s what sustainable healthy eating is all about.
How to Make Your Spaghetti Dinner More Filling
If the pasta portion seems a little small, there are several easy ways to make your meal more satisfying.
Add extra vegetables. Stir sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach or bell peppers into the tomato sauce.
Combine spaghetti with zucchini noodles. Mixing regular pasta with zucchini noodles adds volume and vegetables.
Try spaghetti squash. Replace some or all of the pasta with cooked spaghetti squash.
Serve with a big salad. A simple green salad makes the meal feel more complete.
Adjust your pasta portion. If you prefer a little more spaghetti, simply serve yourself more and account for it in your WW Points.
There’s no single right way to enjoy a pasta dinner. The goal is to find a portion and combination that leaves you satisfied.
How Many Calories and WW Points?
According to my calculations, each serving has about 351 calories and 5 WW Points.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
9 PointsPlus (Old plan)
If the portion seems too skimpy, there are a few things you can do.
Increase the size of your pasta serving to a cup for 2 Points.
Bulk up your pasta by combining it with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Or skip the pasta altogether and go with the squash. Enjoy!
If you’ve made this Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Weight Watchers Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken breast
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned dried bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 can (28-ounces) diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
Instructions
- To make the meatballs, in a large bowl gently mix together the chicken, eggs, bread crumbs, Parmesan and salt until well blended. With lightly moistened hands, form the mixture into 18 meatballs (about 1-1/2 inch in diameter).
- Heat 2 teaspoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet (affiliate link) set over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned, 6-8 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate.
- Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil to the skillet. Add the onion, garlic, and basil and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften, 2-3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Add the meatballs, cover and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through, 8-10 minutes longer.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.
- Divide the spaghetti among 6 bowls; top evenly with the meatballs and sauce.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 9 PointsPlus (Old plan)
Easy Recipe Variations
This is a flexible recipe with plenty of room for small changes.- Use ground turkey. Extra-lean ground turkey breast works well in place of ground chicken.
- Try regular spaghetti. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber, but regular spaghetti works just as well.
- Add vegetables to the sauce. Mushrooms, grated carrots, zucchini or chopped spinach are all good options.
- Make the sauce smoother. Use crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes if you prefer a less chunky sauce.
- Add a little heat. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives the sauce a spicy kick.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Source: Weight Watchers Comfort Classics : 150 Favorite Home-Style Dishes (affiliate link)
More Easy Meatball Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy this lighter spaghetti and meatballs recipe, here are a few more family-friendly favorites:
- Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs – An old-fashioned favorite made easy in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cooker Meatballs with Sauce – A simple way to make tender meatballs in tomato sauce.
- Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs – A comforting meatball dinner with rich onion flavor.
- Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs – Sweet and tangy meatballs that are great for parties or dinner.
- Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs – A sweet-and-savory twist on traditional meatballs.
- Instant Pot Italian Turkey Meatballs – Another lighter option for meatball lovers.
I’ll always have a soft spot for Mom’s big pots of spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove.
But for an ordinary weeknight, this lighter, simpler version is a wonderful way to enjoy an old favorite.
If you try these WeightWatchers Spaghetti and Chicken Meatballs, I’d love to hear how you liked them. Do you have a favorite family spaghetti and meatballs recipe?
Delicious and light!
The pictures must show all 6 servings on the plate because 1 oz of spaghetti per serving would be one of those little swirls of noodles.
This recipe is already at 6 points per serving. Maybe adding some milk to the breadcrumbs before mixing with the meat would permit cutting back on the breadcrumbs without sacrificing the texture and making them dry. Mixing some soy sauce into the meatballs might add flavor and permit cutting back on the parm. Then the points savings could be alotted towards increasing the amount of noodles?
hello is the gound chicken breast 99% or 93%
Hi WendyLou, This was made with 98-99% chicken breast (the zero points kind). Hope this helps. ~Martha