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Chicken Meatballs with Risoni in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Indulgent Chicken Meatballs with Risoni in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Prepare these indulgent Chicken Meatballs with Risoni in Creamy Tomato Sauce for a heartwarming, one-pan dinner that impresses with minimal fuss.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 500 grams Minced Chicken Can substitute with ground turkey.
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Regular breadcrumbs can be used.
  • 1 small Onion Finely chopped; shallots can be used.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; fresh delivers best flavor.
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder; substitute with flaxseed for vegan option.
  • 50 grams Parmesan Cheese Can use dairy-free cheese.
  • ¼ cup Milk Substitute with plant-based milk if desired.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika adds additional flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Fresh oregano enhances the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Pepper
For the Sauce
  • 100 grams Semi-dried Tomatoes Can substitute with sun-dried tomatoes.
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar White wine vinegar can be used.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Enhances tomato flavor.
  • 500 ml Chicken Stock Vegetable stock works for a vegetarian version.
  • 200 ml Cream Coconut cream can be used for dairy-free.
  • ½ teaspoon Chili Flakes Omit for a milder dish.
  • 100 grams Fresh Baby Spinach Kale can be substituted.
For the Risoni
  • 250 grams Risoni (Orzo) Can substitute with small pasta shapes.

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • baking sheet
  • large pan

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a spacious bowl, combine minced chicken, panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, parmesan cheese, milk, paprika, oregano, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix gently until just blended.
  2. Wet your hands and roll the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 12 in total.
  3. If baking, preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) and place meatballs on a lined tray. Lightly spray with olive oil and bake for 10 minutes then broil for 3-4 minutes until tops are golden.
  4. In a large pan over medium heat, add olive oil, followed by onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  5. Stir in semi-dried tomatoes and red wine vinegar, cooking until reduced, about 2-3 minutes. Add tomato paste and mix well.
  6. Pour in chicken stock, add risoni, cream, oregano, chili flakes, and pepper. Stir continuously, cooking for about 10 minutes until risoni is tender.
  7. Turn off the heat, stir in fresh spinach and parmesan until spinach wilts. Gently add the cooked meatballs, coating in sauce. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Avoid overmixing meatball ingredients for tender results. Ensure meatballs are uniformly sized for even cooking.

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