Zoodles, Chicken Meatballs, & Garlic Green Beans!

After a long day of work, working out, blogging, and running errands, I’m always looking to take the easy way out. This recipe requires very little work but is full of flavor and nutrients. You can easily omit the meatballs to make it vegetarian/vegan! I made them for my husband. This dish is also low-carb, and it’s an awesome post-workout meal. It’s filling but light, and I felt good after eating it, not sluggish like I do with regular pasta!

All you need is:

• Medium-Large zucchini
• 7-10 Bella mushrooms
• 1/2 red onion
• 5 cloves garlic
• 2-3 sweet peppers
• 1/2 lb green beans
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 small can crushed tomatoes
• Parmesan cheese & Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder

First, I used my vegetable spiraler to make the zucchini into noodles and chopped the other vegetables.

While sauteing the onions, pepper, garlic, and mushrooms, I mixed the ground chicken with 1/4 cup Parmesan and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. I formed them into medium-size balls and placed on top of wax paper and then baked for about 20 minutes at 400 degrees.

When the vegetables were tender, I added the zucchini spirals.

I cooked them until they were soft but not mushy, and then I added the canned tomatoes. When the meatballs are done, just add them to the top and serve! Disclaimer: This picture is…something else. Next time, I’ll spoon sauce over before photographing. :joy:

For the side of green beans, I cut the stems off, cooked them in boiling water for about five minutes, and drained. In a sauce pan, I added two tablespoons of butter, 4 cloves of garlic, and then cooked the beans in the butter/garlic for an additional five minutes. I also seasoned them with all of the same seasonings that I used for the other vegetables, along with a little crushed red pepper for a kick. I had Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi instead of the meatballs.

This dish is fast, simple, and packs a flavorful punch. If you make it, I hope you enjoy! My husband ate the whole thing in one night (and the bit I snagged away for my mom, she raved over!).