Vegan Spaghetti and Spicy Meatballs

There is nothing more satisfying than a hearty bowl of pasta if you are really hungry! If you want to add some heft to a bowl of spaghetti, why not make some healthy vegan meatlballs?

These vegan “Meatballs” are made from whole chickpeas and quinoa, and are completely whole food plant based! They have such a savory flavor and pair perfectly with a spicy tomato based sauce! Top with vegan parmesan and have an easy week-night supper.

These “meatballs” will freeze well for up to a month.

You can also serve the “meatballs” on mini skewers for a healthy appetizer, with a little drizzle of sauce.

Try this recipe with other sauces like vegan pesto or a creamy alfredo.

Spaghetti with Spicy Vegan Meatballs

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Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Vegan

Keyword: gluten-free, oil-free, pasta, vegan

Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

• Sheet Pan
• food processor
• Oven

Ingredients

Spicy "Meatballs"

• 2 cups chickpeas canned or cooked
• 1 cup quinoa cooked
• 4 tbsp water
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup red onion diced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp oregano dried
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
• 1/2 cup walnut parmesan* see recipe below
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 tbsp basil chopped

Walnut Parmesan

• 1 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Walnut Parm

• Add the walnuts. nutritional yeast and salt to a food processor and pulse until a crumbly mixture is formed. Store in an airtight container.

For the Spicy "Meatballs"

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Place the cooked quinoa and chickpeas in a food processor and pulse until a crumbly dough is formed. It's ok to have chunks! Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
• Heat the water in a small skillet. Add the onion and garlic and water sauté until the onions are translucent. When they are done cooking, transfer to the mixing bowl.
• Add the salt, oregano, red pepper flakes, fennel, walnut parmesan, tomato paste and basil. Mix well, using a spatula or your hands to really mix all the ingredients well. Adjust the seasoning to taste with salt, black pepper and more red pepper flakes.
• Measure the meatballs to about 1.5oz. Place them on a parchment lined sheet pan and bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping them on the sheet pan halfway through the cooking time.
• Serve on top of cooked pasta with your favorite tomato sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and more walnut parmesan.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!