Chicken Broccoli Meatballs in Creamy Alfredo Sauce

So, let's talk balls. When I first posted these tasty meatballs on my Instagram I got mixed reactions. Some people thought it was a strange combo, I think my sister's exact word was weird. I promise no one who has eaten them thinks they are anything but a complete mouth party. So flavorful! The meatball on its own is pretty healthy and full of protein. You could eat them plain if you were watching your weight or with marinara and zucchini noodles. On the other hand....if you want to indulge a bit and make these healthy balls into a totally fabulous dinner, then the Alfredo is a MUST!

Ingredients:

10 ounces cooked pasta of your choice

-Meatball-

1 Tbs olive oil

1 1/2 lb ground chicken

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)

1 1/2 cup chopped broccoli (very small )

3/4 cup onion (diced)

3 cloves garlic (finely minced)

1 egg

3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs

1/2 tsp ground mustard

2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

-Alfredo-

1 1/2 Tbs olive oil

2 tsp minced garlic

2 1/2 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat the to 375

1) Heat a skillet to medium heat. Sauté onion in olive oil until almost tender. Add broccoli and garlic, sauté until the broccoli is quite tender but not soggy, about 3 or 4 minutes. Remove pan from heat and set aside.

2) In a large bowl mix chicken, egg, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, mustard and salt and pepper....stir in the broccoli mixture. (I use my stand mixer to do this task) 

3) Line a baking sheet with tinfoil and shape meat mixture into balls. You can use a cookie scoop if you'd like. Bake for about 15 min; the time could change depending on the size of your meatball, so keep a close eye on them. You can use a meat thermometer, they are fully cooked when they reach 165. When fully cooked, remove from oven and cover with tinfoil to keep warm.

4) While your meatballs are cooking make your pasta. 

5) When your meatballs are done make your sauce, it only takes a minute. Warm olive oil on medium heat in a large skillet or pot ( you'll be mixing in your pasta and meatballs) Add garlic...sauté just until the garlic start to bloom (aka when you start to really smell it) you don't want it to brown. Add cream (stirring constantly) bring cream to almost a boil; add the cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring constantly for a minute or two.

6) To the sauce, add pasta and meatballs....cook (only stirring occasionally) until the sauce starts to thicken up a bit. (this is not a thick sauce, so don't expect too much) 

7) Top with more shredded Parmesan and ENJOY!