Vodka Chicken Meatballs
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil, for cooking
Vodka Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For serving
- Grated Parmesan
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil
- Add the ground chicken, cottage cheese, panko, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper to a bowl. Mix gently until just combined.
- Roll into meatballs.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until golden on all sides and completely cooked through to 165°F, about 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a serving plate.
- In the same skillet, add the olive oil, butter and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add the vodka and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Spoon the warm vodka sauce generously over the cooked meatballs.
- Finish with more grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes and fresh basil.