Fettuccine with Chicken Meatballs
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prep time20minuti
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cook time28minuti
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serves5people
Ingredients
For Meatballs
For sauce
Method
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Mix all the meatball ingredients, except for the olive oil, in a large bowl until well combined and roll into walnut sized balls.
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Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat, add olive oil and meatballs and fry until golden and cooked through. Set aside and cover to keep warm.
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Heat a large frypan over medium heat and add oil, bacon, leek, garlic and thyme and sauté for 10 minutes.
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Add chicken stock and simmer until reduced by half.
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Add cream and simmer until reduced by half.
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In a pot of boiling salted water, add pasta and cook as per packet instructions, adding the kale for the final two minutes.
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Add the cooked pasta and kale to the sauce and stir through.
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Serve pasta topped with meatballs, garnish with lemon zest and enjoy with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken meatballs and the sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and meatballs, cook the fettuccine and kale fresh, then combine everything just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Are there alternatives to using bacon in the sauce?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use bacon, you can substitute it with diced smoked turkey or omit it entirely. To maintain a depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of fettuccine?
Yes, while the recipe calls for San Remo Fettuccine Egg Noodle, you can substitute it with other pasta types like linguine, spaghetti, or penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken mince with plant-based mince or mashed chickpeas for the meatballs. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and omit the bacon or use a vegetarian alternative. This will maintain the hearty nature of the dish while adhering to a vegetarian diet.
