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Chicken Meatball Pasta

Chicken Meatball Pasta Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • ½ small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • pinch red pepper flakes
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • ¼ cup torn fresh basil leaves

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, 3 minced garlic cloves, parsley, ½ tsp salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll into 1½-inch meatballs. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear meatballs, turning, until browned, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tbsp oil and onion. Cook until soft, 4-5 minutes. Stir in remaining garlic, cook 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, ½ tsp salt, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Return meatballs to sauce, cover, and simmer on low 10-12 minutes. Cook spaghetti until al dente; drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  5. Add spaghetti to the skillet, toss with sauce and meatballs, adding pasta water if needed. Top with fresh basil and serve.

Notes

For the juiciest meatballs, handle the mixture as little as possible. If you'd like a thicker sauce, uncover the skillet for the last 5 minutes of simmering.