Mini Chicken Meatballs With Orecchiette

A cozy, flavor-packed pasta dish featuring tender chicken meatballs and perfectly cupped orecchiette that hold onto every bit of sauce.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 500g ground chicken
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 250g Orecchiette pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• Extra Parmesan for serving

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs
In a bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Form into small bite-sized meatballs.

2. Cook the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook meatballs until golden and fully cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce
In the same pan, add olive oil and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–12 minutes.

4. Cook the Pasta
Boil orecchiette in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

5. Combine Everything
Add meatballs back into the sauce. Toss in cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

6. Serve
Top with fresh basil and grated Parmesan. Serve warm.

⭐ Tips

• Keep meatballs small for even cooking and better texture
• Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition
• A splash of cream can make the sauce richer

Enjoy a comforting, restaurant-style pasta dish right at home!

⭐ Notes

• Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands
• Add veggies like spinach to boost fiber and nutrients
• Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier variation

Read Also: Marry Me Chicken Recipe