Description
These Meatballs in Spaghetti Nests are a fun and delicious twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs, perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a family dinner. Twirled spaghetti forms a cozy nest filled with marinara sauce, topped with a savory meatball and melted mozzarella cheese, baked until golden and bubbly. Garnished with fresh basil or parsley, these handheld pasta cups are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti Nests
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Filling & Toppings
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus more for serving)
- 12 small cooked meatballs (beef, pork, or turkey)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, then toss immediately with olive oil to prevent sticking. Let it cool slightly.
- Mix Spaghetti Nest Base: In a large bowl, combine the slightly cooled spaghetti with one beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta.
- Form Nests: Divide the spaghetti mixture evenly among the muffin cups. Using a fork, twirl the spaghetti to form small nests, pressing gently in the center of each to create a well for filling.
- Add Sauce and Meatballs: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce into each spaghetti nest. Place one cooked meatball in the center of each well. Top each meatball with a little more marinara sauce and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese has melted, is bubbly, and the edges of the spaghetti are slightly crispy and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before carefully lifting the nests out of the tin. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side.
Notes
- Use leftover spaghetti and meatballs to make this recipe quicker and reduce waste.
- These nests are perfect for parties, packed lunches, or a fun family dinner option.
- They can be made ahead of time and reheated gently in the oven.
- Ensure meatballs are fully cooked before assembling the nests.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meatballs with vegetarian meatballs or roasted vegetables.
