Garlic Butter Meatballs & Zoodles

By Makinze GoreUpdated: May 22, 2023

4.7

26 Ratings

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While nothing could never replace the spot pasta holds in our hearts, these garlic butter meatballs and zoodles are a very close second. Low-carb and gluten-free, this is a simple weeknight dinner that will deliver on that rich pasta sauce taste, while helping you get in another helping of veggies. In our book, that’s a dinner winner.

For a leaner option, we went with chicken meatballs in this recipe, but you can swap them out for turkey feta meatballs, our classic Italian meatballs, or even vegan meatballs. Not a fan of zoodles? Feel free to use your favorite pasta in this recipe; the garlic butter sauce will coat it beautifully just the same.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

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Yields:: 4 serving(s)
Prep Time:: 10 mins
Total Time:: 35 mins

Ingredients

1 lb.
ground chicken
5
cloves garlic, minced and divided
1
large egg, beaten
1/2 c.
freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
2 tbsp.
freshly chopped parsley
1/4 tsp.
crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil
4 tbsp.
butter
1 lb.
zoodles
Juice of 1/2 a lemon

Directions

1. Step 1In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, 2 cloves garlic (2 teaspoons minced), egg, Parmesan, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper, then form into tablespoon-size meatballs.
2. Step 2In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil and cook meatballs until golden on all sides and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and wipe out skillet with a paper towel.
3. Step 3 Melt butter in skillet and add remaining minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add zoodles to skillet, toss with garlic butter, and add lemon juice. Return meatballs to skillet and heat until warmed through.
4. Step 4Garnish with Parmesan before serving.