Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Parmesan Sauce (Laura Vitale’s Recipe)
Introduction
Welcome to this delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Parmesan Sauce. This recipe, courtesy of the talented Laura Vitale, is sure to become a family favorite. The juicy and flavorful chicken meatballs are perfectly complemented by the rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is a winner. Let’s dive in and discover how to make these mouthwatering chicken meatballs with creamy Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
For the chicken meatballs, you will need:
– 1 pound ground chicken
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup minced onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Olive oil, for cooking
For the creamy Parmesan sauce, you will need:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Steps
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
5. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
7. Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and toss gently to coat them in the creamy Parmesan sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the meatballs are heated through and fully coated in the sauce.
8. Serve the chicken meatballs with creamy Parmesan sauce hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Variations
There are many ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences:
– For a spicy kick, add some chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken meatball mixture.
– Experiment with different herbs and spices to add unique flavors, such as smoked paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning.
– Substitute ground turkey or ground pork for the ground chicken if desired.
– Add your favorite vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or grated zucchini, to the chicken meatball mixture for added nutrition.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your chicken meatballs with creamy Parmesan sauce turn out perfectly:
– To prevent the meatballs from sticking to your hands while shaping them, lightly wet your hands with water or oil.
– Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the meatballs to achieve a nice golden brown crust.
– If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth or cream.
– Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in a skillet or in the microwave.
Conclusion
Chicken meatballs with creamy Parmesan sauce is a delightful dish that brings together the flavors of juicy chicken, savory Parmesan, and a rich and creamy sauce. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, these chicken meatballs are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of ground chicken?
A: Absolutely! Ground beef can be a great alternative to ground chicken in this recipe. It will add a slightly different flavor and texture to the meatballs, but it will still be delicious.
Q: Can I freeze the chicken meatballs?
A: Yes, you can freeze the chicken meatballs either before or after cooking them. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then cook them in a skillet or in the oven until heated through.
Q: Can I use store-bought Parmesan sauce instead of making it from scratch?
A: If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience, you can use store-bought Parmesan sauce instead of making it from scratch. However, the homemade sauce adds a wonderful flavor that you won’t want to miss!
Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can be a great time-saving option if you’re planning to serve them for a dinner party or special occasion.
