Description
Succulent Italian garlic chicken meatballs dance with creamy bowtie pasta in this Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish. Rich flavors and hearty ingredients welcome you to a classic Italian-American culinary experience that satisfies deep hunger and culinary curiosity.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Components:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces (226 grams) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a harmonious mixture of ground chicken, aromatic herbs, and seasonings in a spacious mixing vessel. Gently incorporate breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until uniformly blended.
- Shape the protein mixture into compact, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
- Warm olive oil in a generously sized skillet over moderate temperature. Carefully introduce meatballs in strategic batches to prevent overcrowding, allowing ample space for proper browning.
- Rotate meatballs periodically, achieving a golden exterior while guaranteeing thorough internal cooking, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer completed meatballs to a separate plate.
- Simultaneously, initiate pasta preparation by bringing a salted water vessel to a vigorous boil. Submerge bowtie pasta and cook according to package guidance until perfectly al dente.
- Utilize the identical skillet, introducing an additional olive oil tablespoon. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking to create a smooth, luxurious sauce. Allow liquid to gently simmer, reducing and thickening over 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce drained pasta directly into the creamy sauce, thoroughly coating each bowtie with the velvety mixture.
- Carefully reintegrate golden meatballs into the pasta-sauce composition, gently stirring to ensure comprehensive heating and flavor melding.
- Finish the dish by removing from heat, sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan and optional chopped basil as a vibrant garnish. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or lean beef for varied protein options and flavor profiles.
- Gluten-free alternatives include almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain meatball texture.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of parsley for a different aromatic dimension.
- Reduce heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, healthier sauce variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg