Spaghetti & Meatball Nests

Name: Spaghetti & Meatball Nests
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 6 Oz Spaghetti; 1 Large Egg - Beaten; 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese - Grated or Divided; 3/4 Cup Mozzarella Cheese - Shredded or Divided; 1 Cup Marinara Sauce - Divided; 1 Tsp Olive Oil; Basil - Garnish

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Total: 45 min Serves: 6 4 views

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Main Dishes

The delightful combination of al dente spaghetti and savory meatballs takes on an exciting new form with these charming nests, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Each bite reveals a symphony of melted mozzarella and Parmesan, beautifully complemented by marinara sauce that drips with robust flavor. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also make for an interactive dining experience that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Serve these golden nests as a playful twist on a classic dish that brings everyone together around the table.

Ingredients

6 Oz Spaghetti
1 Large Egg - Beaten
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese - Grated or Divided
3/4 Cup Mozzarella Cheese - Shredded or Divided
1 Cup Marinara Sauce - Divided
1 Tsp Olive Oil
Basil - Garnish
1 Meatballs (Homemade)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the wells of a standard 12-cup muffin pan with olive oil.
Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain well and let it cool for about 5 minutes so it’s warm enough to toss without scrambling the egg.
In a large bowl, stir together the egg, ⅓ cup Parmesan, ½ cup mozzarella, ¼ cup marinara, and Italian seasoning. Add the spaghetti and toss until evenly coated.
Twirl small bundles of spaghetti around a fork and divide them among the muffin cups. Press a shallow dip into the centre of each nest with the back of a spoon.
Bake the nests for 12 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the meatballs in the remaining marinara in a small saucepan.
Spoon a little sauce into each nest, tuck in a meatball, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for another 8–10 minutes, until the cheese melts and the spaghetti edges turn golden.
Let the nests rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Run a thin knife around the edges and lift them out. Top with fresh basil and serve with any remaining marinara for dipping.