If you love quick meals made from Trader Joe's products, you will love this Trader Joe's Chicken Meatballs Spaghetti Bake. This easy dinner recipe tastes just like the comforts of lasagna, with a low-carb twist. Grab a package of TJ's chicken meatballs, spaghetti squash, Italian cheeses, and marinara sauce; you've got a mouthwatering one-pan meal the whole family will love.
Why We Love It
My favorite part about this recipe is you can use all Trader Joe's ingredients.
Shopping at Trader Joe's is a lot of fun! Over time, I've mastered selecting the healthiest foods that make family dinners simple and enjoyable. I love how Trader Joe's products can transform into an easy weeknight dinner, full of taste and nutrition.
Inspiration for this dish came from various ways we've used TJ's chicken meatballs in the past, as well as our other Italian-inspired favorites like Keto Turkey Broccoli Italian Bake, Keto Chicken Parmesan Casserole, and the Spinach and Chicken Sausage Skillet.
For more of our Trader Joe's recipes check out: Trader Joe's Harvest Blend, Trader Joe's Holiday Hash, and Trader Joe's Chicken Shawarma!
Before getting started, I always recommend taking a moment to set healthy intentions. It's a quick but meaningful process. To learn more, check out my free guide to manifest using healthy intentions.
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Ingredients
Spaghetti Squash: Spaghetti squash is a nutritious, low-carb alternative to pasta. For best results, cook it in an Instant Pot for 7 minutes at high pressure, then let it cool and scoop out the strands. Chop these strands into small pieces to ensure a consistent texture throughout the bake. If you love spaghetti squash, try Cajun Salmon Alfredo or Keto Chicken Alfredo!
TJ's Chicken Meatballs: These meatballs are pre-cooked and minimally processed with spices and ground chicken.
Remember, while Trader Joe's is a treasure trove of clean ingredients, always check labels to ensure you're choosing products that align with your clean eating principles.
See the recipe card for the full ingredient list and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
Make it your own! Try these options:
- Alternative to Spaghetti Squash: Not a fan of spaghetti squash? Try spiralized zucchini, cauliflower rice, ancient grain penne pasta, or roasted cauliflower as a base. Each offers a unique texture and flavor profile. I love the roasted cauliflower texture in this dish!
- Added Spice: Add red pepper flakes or diced peppers for another dimension of spicy flavor.
How to Make Trader Joe's Chicken Meatballs Spaghetti Bake
Step 1: Scoop half of the cooked spaghetti squash strands in a casserole dish.
Step 2: Pour half of the marinara sauce over the squash, followed by half of the basil and all of the Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Sprinkle half of each cheese type (parmesan, ricotta, and mozzarella- in that order) over the herbs and sauce.
Step 4: Arrange the meatballs and cherry tomatoes on top, gently pressing them into the layer of cheese and sauce.
Step 5: Add another layer of squash. Cover this with the remaining sauce, cheese, and basil. (If there is more squash that won't fit in the dish, do not force it, only place an even layer and reserve the rest for another recipe.)
Step 6: Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden brown. Once done, garnish with fresh basil, season with sea salt and black pepper, and it's ready to serve.
Hint: Do not overfill the dish. leave a half inch of room from the brim for the dish to bubble, to avoid overflowing in the oven.
Making Your Own Trader Joe's Chicken Meatballs
If you don't have a Trader Joe's near you, making your own meatballs is easier than you might think. Combine ground chicken or ground turkey with almond flour, a blend of spices like vinegar powder, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder rosemary, black pepper, and parsley flakes.
Use a cookie scoop for even-sized meatballs, and cook them covered in a skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or bake on a sheet pan for 20 minutes.
Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F which is the safe mark for poultry using a meat thermometer.
Other Ideas for Trader Joe's Meatballs
Trader Joe's Chicken Meatballs are incredibly versatile, making them a game changer for easy weeknight dinners. Here are some creative and healthy meal ideas to make the most out of these delicious meatballs:
- Sweet Chili Meatball Skewers: Thread meatballs onto skewers, brush them with sweet chili sauce, and bake or grill. Serve with rice and side salad for a complete meal.
- Slow Cooker Meatball Stew: Place the meatballs in a slow cooker with a mix of your favorite vegetables, broth, and herbs. Let it cook slowly for a flavorful stew that's both comforting and healthy.
- Buffalo Meatball Bites: Toss the meatballs in buffalo sauce for a spicy twist. Serve them with a side of celery sticks and an organic blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce.
- Lemon Dill Meatball Pasta: Incorporate the meatballs into a light pasta dish with a lemon-dill sauce. This refreshing combination is perfect for a summer evening meal.
- Meatball Salad Bowl: Slice the meatballs and add them to a salad bowl filled with greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and an organic vinaigrette dressing. It's a healthy, satisfying option that's quick to prepare.
Expert Tip
If you get a large spaghetti squash, you can save your extra spaghetti squash for another meal like our Creamy Cajun Salmon Alfredo next, or make a double batch. If making a double batch, just grab an extra package of meatballs and sauce. The cheese and basil come in larger packages, so it works out well!
Trader Joe's Chicken Meatballs and Spaghetti Bake FAQ's
Trader Joe's meatballs can be heated using the oven, skillet, or air fryer. In the oven, bake them at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. When using a skillet, cook them over medium heat with a bit of oil until they're evenly browned and heated through. In an air fryer, place them in the basket and cook at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway through. You can also use them in this Spaghetti Bake!
Yes, Trader Joe's meatballs are pre-cooked. This makes them convenient for quick meals as they just need to be reheated before serving.
Chicken meatballs are typically made of ground chicken, and may include ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, herbs, and spices for flavor and binding. The specific ingredients can vary depending on the recipe or brand.
There are approximately 140 calories in 4 Trader Joe's chicken meatballs. This makes them a relatively low-calorie option for adding protein to meals.
More Trader Joe's Recipes
Looking for other TJ's recipes like this? Try these:
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Recipe
Trader Joe's Chicken Meatballs and Spaghetti Bake
Equipment
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cooking Spoon
- Serving spoon
Ingredients
- 1 small spaghetti squash cooked, scooped, and cut into smaller strands
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 15 oz ricotta one container
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 2 TB basil thinly slices, plus more for garnish
- 1 TB Italian seasoning
- 1 package Trader Joe’s chicken meatballs
- ½ pint cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Layer half of the cooked spaghetti squash strands in a casserole dish.
- Top with half of the marinara sauce, half of the basil, and all the Italian seasoning.
- Add half of each cheese (Parmesan, ricotta, and mozzarella).
- Place the meatballs and cherry tomatoes evenly across, pressing them gently into the cheese and sauce.
- If needed, add another conservative layer of squash, followed by the remaining sauce, cheese, and basil.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown. Garnish with basil to serve.
Century Foods says
Thank you. I like this recipe & look forward to using it!
Natalie Perry says
You’re welcome. It is so good!