Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a spacious bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, ½ teaspoon of herbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
1 lb Minced Chicken, ¼ cup Breadcrumbs, ¼ cup Parmesan, ½ teaspoons Aromatic herbs, 1 piece Egg
Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs.
Brown Meatballs: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add meatballs, frying until browned on all sides. Remove from pan.
Make Sauce: In the same pan, add the remaining herbs and cook for 30 seconds. Add tomato passata, cooking for 3 minutes. Stir in water until the sauce is homogeneous.
½ teaspoons Aromatic herbs, 1 cup Water, 1 cup Tomato Sauce
Cook Meatballs in Sauce: Return meatballs to the pan, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot with bread, pasta, or rice.
Quick Note
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Notes
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in your meatballs and sauce. While Italian seasoning is a classic choice, adding fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano can bring a vibrant freshness to the dish.
Cheese Options: While Parmesan is a traditional choice, feel free to try other hard, grated cheeses like Asiago or Grana Padano for a different flavor profile.
Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for an additional 10-15 minutes before adding the meatballs. For a thinner sauce, add a bit of chicken broth or water.
Meatball Size: Keep your meatballs uniformly sized to ensure even cooking. A cookie scoop or a tablespoon can be a handy tool for consistency.
Spice Level Adjustment: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.
Wine Addition: For an added depth of flavor in the sauce, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of red wine after cooking the meatballs and before adding the tomato sauce.
Lemon Zest Garnish: For a fresh, zesty finish, consider grating a bit of lemon zest over the meatballs just before serving. This adds a bright note that complements the rich flavors.
Serving with Bread: Serving this dish with a side of crusty bread can be delightful, as the bread is perfect for mopping up the delicious tomato sauce.
Kid-Friendly Version: For a kid-friendly version, consider making smaller meatballs and serving them with a side of their favorite pasta shape.