Kale Pesto Pappardelle with Chicken Meatballs

Dinner Ideas for Pre-Cooked Meatballs

Twirly noodles tossed in a five-minute kale pesto, tender chicken meatballs, and plenty of nutty parmesan are the makings of our new favorite throw-it-together weeknight meal.

4
Servings
15 mins
Prep Time
40 mins
Total Time
Contains Gluten icon
Contains Gluten

Ingredients

Amount / QuantityIngredients
24

No Antibiotics Ever Chicken Meatballs

3 cups

Chopped packed kale, massaged and stems removed

1 cup

Basil

Heaping ¼ cup

Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon

Lemon juice

1

Large garlic clove

1/4 cup

Pistachios

1/4 teaspoon

Salt

1/4 cup

Olive oil

16 ounces

Pappardelle pasta

1/2 cup

Pasta water

Extra parmesan, for sprinkling

Directions

  1. Fill a large pot with ½ cup of water. Add frozen chicken meatballs. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 9 minutes. Remove meatballs from the pot and drain water. Set aside.

  2. Fill pot with water. Bring to a rolling boil. Season with salt.

  3. While the water comes to a boil, add the kale, basil, parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, pistachios, and salt to a food processor. Blend until smooth. With the mixer on drizzle in the oil. Scrape the sides downs and blend again until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  4. When the water comes to a boil, drop the pasta into the water. Cook until just under al dente.

  5. When the pasta has cooked, use a liquid measuring cup to take out 1 cup of the pasta water. Set aside. Drain the pasta.

  6. Add the pasta back to the pot along with the pesto and ½ cup of pasta water. Use tongs to toss the pasta with the pesto. Add the meatballs. Toss again. If needed add more pasta water to loosen the sauce up. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with parmesan cheese.

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