Creamy Pesto Chicken Meatballs an Italianinspired Crowd Pleaser

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a quick Italian escape? Ever craved comfort food that’s both easy and impressive? Today, we're diving headfirst into Creamy Pesto Chicken Meatballs .

These aren’t just any meatballs; they’re a flavor explosion, trust me!

Brief Overview

This dish has roots in classic Italian cooking. It gives it a modern, easy twist. It's a simple recipe, perfect for beginner cooks, clocking in at about an hour total.

This recipe yields 4-6 servings, so plenty to share.

Main Benefits

These Pesto Chicken Meatballs are packed with protein and flavor. They will satisfy your cravings. Serve them on a weeknight or at a casual gathering.

What makes them special? The vibrant pesto and creamy sauce!

Let's talk ingredients for Creamy Pesto Chicken Meatballs

Are you ready to dive in? Let's talk ingredients. This Easy Chicken Meatball Dinner starts with good quality ground chicken.

We also need some pantry staples like breadcrumbs and milk. Oh, and don't forget the star: pesto!

What You'll Need: Pesto With Meatballs

• 1.5 lbs ground chicken
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equip Yourself for Success

You'll need a large bowl for mixing. A skillet is a must for cooking. A baking sheet is great for chilling! Basic tools like measuring cups and a garlic mincer will also be helpful.

A good spatula will do the work!.

My Creamy Pesto Chicken Story

Honestly, I first made these Pesto Cream Sauce for Meatballs on a whim. I had some leftover pesto. I thought why not? Oh my gosh, what a happy accident! My family devoured them! Even my picky eater loved them, can you imagine? That is why Italian Meatball Recipe is a winner.

Top Tips For Creamy Pesto Chicken Perfection

Listen up! Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Chill the meatballs before cooking to stop them from falling apart. Use really good quality pesto! It makes a big difference.

If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth. Don't overcrowd the pan! I use that Ground Chicken Meatball Recipe all the time.

Tasty Meatballs With Pasta Variations

Want to mix things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Use ground turkey instead of chicken. Looking for a dairy-free option? Use a dairy-free cream and skip the Parmesan.

I always have a blast experimenting with Weeknight Meatball Meal .

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make these amazing Creamy Pesto Chicken Meatballs . This recipe is super easy.

Trust me, even if you're not a pro, you can nail this!

Main Ingredients

Here's what you need for those Pesto Chicken Meatballs :

• Ground chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Good quality chicken makes a big difference. If it smells fresh, you're golden!
• Plain breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (50g) . Italian breadcrumbs work fine if you don't have plain .
• Milk: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Any kind of milk will do.
• Pesto: 1/4 cup (60ml) . store-bought or homemade works.
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
• Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (30g) , grated.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon

And for that killer Creamy Pesto sauce:

• Butter: 2 tablespoons , unsalted.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
• Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
• Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) . This makes it extra yummy!
• Pesto: 1/4 cup (60ml) .
• Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (30g) , grated.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

Seasoning Notes

The key to these Italian Meatball Recipe is the pesto. Pesto and parmesan combo is a winner. Don't skimp! If you want to spice things up, try a pinch of red pepper flakes.

For some alternatives in a pinch you can use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder If you don't have fresh garlic on hand .

Equipment Needed

You don't need fancy stuff.

• A big bowl for mixing.
• A baking sheet. It helps chill the meatballs.
• A large skillet or Dutch oven.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Obvs.
• A garlic mincer (or just a knife).
• A whisk.
• A spatula.

That's it! Let’s get cooking those Ground Chicken Meatball Recipe and make a Weeknight Meatball Meal .

The Magic of the Right Cooking Method

Cooking. Sounds simple, right? But honestly, the method you use can totally make or break a dish. Take these Creamy Pesto Chicken Meatballs , for example.

It's not just about throwing things together. It’s a delicate dance of heat, timing, and technique. I mean, who wants dry, bland meatballs, eh? Not me, and definitely not you!

Prep Steps: Your Secret Weapon

Essential mise en place is key, mate. Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. It'll save you from running around like a headless chicken later.

Trust me, been there, done that! For these Pesto Chicken Meatballs , that means having your breadcrumbs, pesto, and cheese all lined up.

Time saving organization tips : Chill those Chicken Meatballs before cooking. About 15 minutes in the fridge helps them hold their shape like pros.

I usually just pop them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Easy peasy!

Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step

1. Mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, pesto, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Gently ! Don't overmix!
2. Roll the mixture into 1 inch meatballs . Place them on a baking sheet.
3. Chill the meatballs for at least 15 minutes . This is a game changer.
4. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove them from the skillet, setting them aside.
6. Melt two tablespoons of butter in the same skillet, add minced garlic, then chicken broth, and then stir in the heavy cream and remaining pesto.
7. Simmer, stirring, for about 15- 20 minutes , until the sauce thickens. It needs to be bubbling gently.
8. Stir in Parmesan. Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Meatballs

Don't overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches . This lets you get that beautiful browning on all sides.

Common mistakes to avoid: Overmixing the meat mixture makes tough meatballs. Gentle is key. Nobody wants tough meatballs.

make-ahead options: You can totally make the meatballs ahead of time. Brown them, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Just add them to the sauce when you're ready to finish.

Well there you go, you've just made Creamy Pesto Chicken Meatballs . It's a fantastic Italian Meatball Recipe that’s both easy and impressive! Remember, Pesto With Meatballs offers a delightful twist on the traditional, and this version is especially tempting with its creamy sauce.

Enjoy your Weeknight Meatball Meal !

Recipe Notes: Nailing Those Creamy Pesto Chicken Meatballs

Alright, so you're ready to whip up some delicious Creamy Pesto Chicken Meatballs ! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things that'll help you level up your meatball game.

Honestly, these tips are what separate a good meatball from an amazing one. Trust me, I've been there.

Serving Up Some Deliciousness

Plating and Presentation Ideas : Listen, we eat with our eyes first. Pile those Chicken Meatballs high on a bed of perfectly cooked pasta.

A little fresh basil on top? Chef's kiss. Honestly, even just a sprinkle of extra Parmesan makes them look fancy.

It's all about making it look as good as it tastes!

Complementary Sides or Beverages : You know what goes great with Pesto Chicken Meatballs ? A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette.

It cuts through the richness perfectly. And for a drink? A crisp, cold Pinot Grigio. Basically, anything that won't compete with that amazing pesto flavour.

Storage Savvy: Keepin' Those Meatballs Fresh

Refrigeration Guidelines : Got leftovers? These meatballs will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days . Make sure they're in an airtight container. Nobody wants dry meatballs!

Freezing Options (if applicable) : You can totally freeze these! Let them cool completely, then pop them in a freezer bag.

They'll last for up to 3 months . Just defrost them overnight in the fridge before reheating. So easy for meal prep!

Reheating Instructions : Pop 'em in the microwave, or gently simmer them in a pan with a little extra sauce.

Make sure they are heated through properly, to 165° F ( 74° C) . You don't want any nasties!

Meatball Makeovers: Variations for Everyone

Dietary Adaptations : Wanna make these gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Easy peasy! For a dairy-free version, try using a dairy-free cream alternative like cashew cream and omitting the Parmesan.

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps : In the summer, try using fresh basil to make your own pesto. In the winter, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice cozy kick.

Cracking the Code: Nutrition Basics

This Italian Meatball Recipe isn't just tasty; it's pretty decent for you too! Roughly 450 calories a serving, packed with around 35g of protein .

The 30g of fat is a bit higher, but hey, it's a creamy sauce, what do you expect? Just remember, these numbers are estimates.

So, there you have it! All the little secrets to making these Creamy Pesto Chicken Meatballs absolutely perfect. Now go get your cook on and enjoy every single bite! I promise you, it's worth it.

This Weeknight Meatball Meal it's sure to impress. Honestly, the smell of Pesto With Meatballs cooking will make your house smell amazing.

Get started and don't be afraid to experiment, have fun with it!.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Creamy Pesto Chicken Meatballs ahead of time? Fancy prepping like a true blue Peter Kay?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and the sauce separately a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, add the meatballs, and simmer until heated through. This makes it a perfect dish for entertaining or busy weeknights.

My Creamy Pesto Chicken Meatball sauce is too thick/thin. How do I fix it, guv'nor?

No worries, easy fix! If the sauce is too thick, simply add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out. If it's too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes without the lid to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, thus thickening the sauce to your desired consistency.

I don't have ground chicken. Can I use another type of meat for these Creamy Pesto Chicken Meatballs?

Yes, you can! Ground turkey works beautifully as a substitute and will yield a similar result. You could even use ground beef or a mixture of ground beef and pork, but keep in mind that the flavor profile will be a bit different. Just make sure whatever you choose, it's cooked to a safe internal temperature.

How should I store leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken Meatballs, and how long will they last?

Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Just be sure to give it a good stir every now and again!

I'm trying to be a bit healthier. Are there any lower calorie swaps I can make to these Creamy Pesto Chicken Meatballs?

Good on you! To lighten things up, you could use ground turkey instead of chicken and opt for a lower fat cream or even Greek yogurt in the sauce. You can also use whole wheat breadcrumbs and increase the amount of veggies you serve alongside to bulk up the meal without adding extra calories.