Craving a dish that combines the heartiness of perfectly crafted meatballs with the fresh, vibrant flavors of a pasta salad? Look no further! This Warm Pasta Salad with Chicken Meatballs is about to become your new go-to meal that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the pickiest eaters. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken meatballs nestled among al dente pasta and crisp bell peppers, all brought together with a zesty Italian dressing – it's a culinary adventure that's both comforting and exciting!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture by combining ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the chicken mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1-inch in diameter. Aim to create around 16-20 meatballs.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the meatballs in the skillet, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Dice the bell peppers into small, uniform pieces while pasta is cooking.
- Drain the cooked pasta and return to the pot. Add diced bell peppers and Italian dressing, tossing to combine.
- Once meatballs are fully cooked, add them to the pasta mixture and gently toss to distribute evenly.
- Serve warm, garnishing with additional herbs or grated cheese if desired.
Tips
- Meat Mixture Magic: When mixing the chicken meatballs, use a light touch. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so combine ingredients just until they're incorporated.
- Temperature is Key: Always ensure your chicken meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee food safety while maintaining juiciness.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook your pasta just to al dente – it should have a slight bite. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be partially prepared in advance. You can make the meatballs and cook the pasta ahead of time, then quickly reheat and combine just before serving.
- Customization is King: Feel free to swap bell peppers with other vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes to suit your taste or what's in your refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
