Chicken Pesto Meatballs

Name: Chicken Pesto Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 6 ounces uncooked whole grain spaghetti; 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons prepared pesto; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 pound lean ground chicken; 1-1/2 cups marinara sauce; 1/4 cup water; Torn fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese, optional

These tender, pesto-stuffed meatballs get gobbled up in our house. They're short on ingredients, but packed with flavor. I always make a double batch, freezing the other half for a busy night. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa

Ingredients

6 ounces uncooked whole grain spaghetti
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons prepared pesto
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound lean ground chicken
1-1/2 cups marinara sauce
1/4 cup water
Torn fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions

Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, pesto, cheese and garlic powder. Add chicken; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-in. balls.
In a large skillet, brown meatballs over medium heat, turning occasionally. Add sauce and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until meatballs are cooked through, about 5 minutes. Serve with spaghetti. If desired, top with basil and additional cheese.
Freeze option: Freeze cooled meatball mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a covered saucepan over low heat, stirring gently; add water if necessary.

Test Kitchen tips

If you don't have dry bread crumbs, substitute with an equal amount of unsalted cracker crumbs or uncooked oats, or use 3/4 cup soft bread crumbs.

Overmixing ground meat causes meat loaves, meatballs and burgers to have an unappealing firm and compact texture.

Mixing the seasonings and any bread crumbs or liquid ingredients before adding the meat helps blend the flavors without over-handling the meat.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup meatball mixture with 1 cup spaghetti: 422 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.

Originally published as Chicken Pesto Meatballs in Simple & Delicious December/January 2018