Easy and Delicious Zucchini Noodles with Meatballs

I am a huge pasta lover. I love creamy rich pasta sauces, I love adding lots of veggies and some sort of protein like sausage, bacon, meatballs, or shrimp, I love marina sauces and of course, adding lots and lots of cheese.

Pasta has to be one of the best comfort foods out there in my humble opinion.

When I really want to up my veggie intake I make pasta with zucchini noodles; it’s easy to prepare and takes no time to cook, plus it has many health benefits. Zucchini is rich in a variety of nutrients including vitamin A, and vitamin C. It also contains both soluble and insoluble fibre which help with proper digestion and elimination, as well as supporting the healthy bacteria in the GI tract, which is key for healthy cognitive and brain function, supporting our immune system, and even balancing our weight.

If you want to make a healthy and comforting pasta dish, definitely try this one out!

RECIPE

Serves: 6 Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 30 mins Total time: 50 mins

INGREDIENTS:

Zucchini Noodles:

  • 8 medium zucchinis spiralized

Meatballs:

  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1/4 tsp Seal salt

  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper

  • 2 tbsp Onion, grated

  • 1 large Egg

  • 2 cloves Garlic, grated or minced

  • 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped

  • 3/4 lb Ground beef, or pork (grass fed)

Assembly:

  • 1 1/4 cup Marina Sauce

  • Grated parmesan cheese to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Using a spiralizer, spiralize your zucchini noodles and set them aside

  2. To make the meatballs, first line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

  3. In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients for the meatballs, except the meat. Add the beef and mix until just combined.

  4. Form the mixture into 1 inch meatballs and place them onto the baking sheet.

  5. When the zucchini noodles are done baking, remove from the oven and increase oven temperature to F (218 degrees C). Let it preheat for a few minutes to the increased temperature.

  6. Bake the meatballs at 425 degrees in the oven for about 10 minutes, until just barely done. Use a paper towel to wipe any excess liquid around the sides of the meatballs.

  7. Set the oven to broil and place the meatballs on the top rack under the broiler for about 2 minutes, or until golden.

  8. Heat the marinara sauce on the stove on medium heat, and place the zucchini noodles in the sauce for 2 minutes.

  9. Add the meatballs to the zucchini noodles and warm everything together for about 3 minutes. Add parmesan cheese as desired and some fresh parsley

Laura Gutierrez