"Zoodles" with Marinara and Chicken Meatballs

I was so happy to get my Amazon shipment today with this little baby inside! Like all culinary addicts, I needed my latest kitchen gadget fix.The GEFU Spirelli Spiral Cutter  tool creates long ribbon "Zoodles" (zucchini noodles) for low carb, yummy pasta. You can also use it to make ribbons out of yellow squash and Julienne carrots or parsnips. It was easy to use and dishwasher safe for easier cleanup.

I made a batch of chicken meatballs to portion out and freeze for future use, in easy, healthy meals in a hurry. they went perfect with the veggie pasta. And you can't beat the smell of these in the oven. Mmm!

Chicken Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon chicken grill seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a cookie sheet with tin foil and lightly mist with cooking spray.

Place ground chicken, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, bread crumbs, garlic, parsley and grill seasoning and olive oil in a medium bowl.

Knead the mixture gently with your hands until just combined, being careful to not overwork.

Form the mixture into 1-inch balls with your hands and place evenly spaced on the cookie sheet.

Bake for 20 minutes, remove from the oven and add to your favorite sauce. You may simmer for a few minutes longer in the sauce while your pasta cooks, or serve the meatballs plain.

For an added time saver, pick your favorite jarred red sauce. I thought spicy was in order this time to fight the cold weather.

Isn't this dish pretty? I sautéed the veggie noodles in a dash of olive oil for about 3-5 minutes until they were Al dente. I find my wok works great for this. Add the meatballs, sauce and toss until well coated. Plate and add a sprinkling of aged Parmesan cheese to top it off. Enjoy!

Tips: Play around with this. Add mushrooms or julienned bell pepper. You can also add a small amount of cooked wheat angel hair pasta to help smooth over the dish for picky eaters. The pasta helps to create a more traditional spaghetti texture.

This recipe can also be made vegan/ vegetarian by using Morning Star Farms veggie meatballs.

*You may purchase a GEFU Spirelli Spiral Slicer from Amazon.