Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 6 ounces dried spaghetti pasta (see note)
  • pinch salt
  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 egg (lightly beaten - optional)
  • cooking spray
  • 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese (divided)
  • 1 1/2 cups pasta sauce
  • 12 cooked meatballs
  • chopped basil leaves (optional)

Instruction

  • Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C. Grease a nonstick muffin pan thoroughly with cooking spray and set aside.
  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
  • Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions, so it's firm to the bite.
  • Drain the spaghetti and toss with olive oil until evenly coated. (Optional: add beaten egg, which will help the nests hold together after baking.)
  • Chill for 15 minutes.
  • Add 1 cup parmesan cheese and toss until evenly coated.
  • Grab a small handful of spaghetti and arrange into each muffin cup, pressing down to make a nest shape.
  • Spoon 1 tbsp pasta sauce onto each cup, and then add one meatball followed by another 1 tbsp pasta sauce. Repeat for remaining cups.
  • Sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese over the tops of meatballs.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and cool slightly. (If you take them out while hot, they may collapse)
  • Garnish with optional chopped basil. Serve warm and enjoy!