Pesto Meatballs and Spaghetti

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A delicious and easy spaghetti and meatball dinner with a flavorful twist: pesto meatballs! This budget-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can easily be doubled to freeze half the meatballs for a future meal. Packed with basil pesto and parmesan, these meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

plate of spaghetti topped with a red sauce and meatballs

Table of Contents

Chef’s Tips

Make Ahead for Convenience: Double the batch of meatballs and freeze half. Place uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to use, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball mixture, mix just until combined to avoid dense or tough meatballs.
Pasta Perfection: Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the noodles. Add it to the sauce if needed to adjust the consistency.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef – Provides a rich and hearty base for the meatballs. Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs – Adds texture and helps bind the meatballs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
1/4 cup basil pesto – The star ingredient that adds bold flavor. Use store-bought or homemade pesto for best results.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Enhances the umami flavor of the meatballs. Freshly grated is recommended for optimal taste.
1/4 tsp pepper – For a subtle kick.
1/4 tsp salt – Balances and enhances all the flavors.
24 oz spaghetti sauce – Choose your favorite marinara or tomato-based sauce.
Fresh basil leaves – Optional garnish for a burst of freshness.
1 lb spaghetti noodles – The classic pasta pairing for this dish. Swap with gluten-free noodles if needed.

Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
For a lower-carb option, serve the meatballs and sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, pepper, and salt. Mix until just combined. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

meatball mixture all mixed up and ready to be shaped into balls

Bake the Meatballs: Bake for 25 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove from the oven.
Simmer in Sauce: Transfer the cooked meatballs to a large skillet and cover them with the spaghetti sauce. Heat over low heat while preparing the pasta.

sheet pan of small meatballs placed in rows ready to bake

skillet of meatballs simmering in red sauce

Cook the Spaghetti: Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente, approximately 10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Assemble and Serve: Serve the noodles with the meatballs and sauce spooned on top, or mix everything together in a large bowl for easy serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

FAQs

Can I freeze the meatballs after cooking?

Yes! Cooked meatballs can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in sauce on the stovetop.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens. The pasta can be reheated in the microwave with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice works well with this recipe.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free spaghetti noodles to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

close up view of spaghetti with meatballs and red sauce

This pesto meatballs and spaghetti recipe is an easy weeknight dinner that feels fancy but comes together quickly. It’s perfect for family meals or meal prep, offering a hearty and flavorful twist on a classic!