Chicken Meatballs on Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp (30 mL) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 spaghetti squash, medium, halved and cored
• 3 cups (750 mL) tomato sauce
• 1 lb (0.5 kg) ground chicken
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp (5 mL) lemon zest
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) parsley, fresh, finely-chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) oregano, dried
• 1 tsp (5 mL) basil, dried
• 1 pinch hot red chili pepper flakes
• Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• parsley, fresh, finely-chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the spaghetti squash on the baking sheet, cut side down and roast until tender, about 45 minutes.
2. Place the tomato sauce on the stove to simmer.
3. In a mixing bowl combine the chicken, egg yolk, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, parsley, oregano, basil, chili flakes and salt and pepper. Use your hands to blend the ingredients and shape into 2-inch (5 cm) meatballs.
4. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and sear on both sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer them into the simmering tomato sauce, cover, and simmer until fully cooked, about 15 minutes.
5. Using a fork, scrape out the spaghetti squash and divide between dishes. Top with meatballs and sauce. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and freshly-chopped parsley.