Italian Garlic Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Bowties

Here’s a recipe for Italian Garlic Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Bowties that is both savory and comforting:

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• Olive oil for frying

For the Creamy Bowtie Pasta:

• 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the meatballs)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
2. Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in size (you should have around 20 meatballs).
3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning them frequently until golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
4. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:

1. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions, about 9-10 minutes, or until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

1. In the same skillet you used to cook the meatballs, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

4. Combine:

1. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss until the pasta is coated with the sauce.
2. Add the meatballs back to the skillet and gently stir to combine.
3. If desired, sprinkle with fresh basil before serving for extra flavor and color.

5. Serve:

• Serve the creamy bowtie pasta with meatballs hot, and enjoy!

This dish offers a delicious combination of tender meatballs and creamy pasta, with the wonderful flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs.