Creamy Chicken Meatballs with Spinach and Pasta
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Cream Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Spinach:
3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
8 oz pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
Instructions:
Make the Meatballs:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-2 inches in size.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides (about 4-5 minutes). Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet used for the meatballs, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce is smooth.
Wilt the Spinach:
Add the chopped spinach to the cream sauce, stirring to wilt it into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dish:
Plate the cooked pasta and top with the creamy spinach sauce.
Arrange the baked chicken meatballs on top of the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve:
Serve immediately, enjoying the creamy, savory goodness of chicken meatballs, spinach, and pasta.
This dish combines tender chicken meatballs with a rich cream sauce and a fresh spinach base, perfect for a cozy dinner. Enjoy!