I love spaghetti and meatballs. I’d eat it for dinner every night if I could, but sometimes even I want something a little different.
That’s where these come in. They remind me of little birds nests! This is such a fun way to serve spaghetti and meatballs, and they taste scrumptious.
I was in the mood for spaghetti and meatballs the other night and ran across this recipe right after I started having a craving. These are as heavenly as they look, and are super easy to make.
Here’s what you need:
- 6 oz. spaghetti
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1.5 cups parmesan cheese
- 12 1 ounce cooked meatballs
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the water, stirring occasionally for about 7 minutes. Drain and toss in a bowl with olive oil; refrigerate until cooled, about 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray 12 muffin cups with cooking spray. Toss cooled spaghetti with 1 cup parmesan cheese.
Divide spaghetti between the 12 prepared muffin cups, arranging noodles in each cup to create “nests” for the meatballs.
Top each “nest” with 1 tablespoon pasta sauce, 1 meatball, and 1 more tablespoon pasta sauce, respectively.
Sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese over the tops of each meatball “nest.” Bake in the preheated oven until pasta and meatballs are heated through and cheese melts, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool and serve.
If you want to add a little something extra, you can make stuffed meatballs for this.
Regardless, I will definitely be making these again. My kids love them. They also make great appetizers for a party…presentation is everything!
Watch the step by step tutorial below and get out your muffin tins so you can make your own little birds nests!