Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
This one-dish dinner takes inspiration from chicken Parmesan, but eliminates the fuss of breading and frying chicken cutlets. Instead, chicken meatballs are the star, delivering an equally comforting and satisfying meal. The unexpected secret to these tender meatballs is tofu, which keeps them juicy. Simply press pieces of tofu between your fingertips to create small crumbles that resemble ground meat. The addition of ricotta creates a creamy texture, as well as great flavor. The meatballs are simmered in marinara sauce with red bell peppers, which infuse the sauce with fresh flavor and natural sweetness. Sharp and tangy provolone completes the dish, although mozzarella could be used for milder flavor. Enjoy over buttered egg noodles, or with crusty bread to sop up the sauce.
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- ¾cup crumbled firm tofu (about 4 ounces)
- ½cup ricotta (about 4 ounces)
- ½cup freshly grated Parmesan (about 1 1/2 ounces)
- ¼cup plain bread crumbs
- 1large egg
- 2tablespoons minced garlic
- 1teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 1pound ground chicken (or turkey)
- 2tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2medium red bell peppers, cored and sliced lengthwise 1/2-inch-thick
- 3cups marinara sauce (about 24 ounces)
- 6ounces sliced provolone cheese,
- Cooked egg noodles or other pasta, for serving
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine tofu, ricotta, Parmesan, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper, and mix until well combined. Add chicken and gently mix to incorporate. Lightly wet hands to prevent meatball mixture from sticking, then roll into 24 (1 1/2-inch) golf ball-size rounds.Step 2
In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium. Add bell peppers, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add marinara sauce and meatballs, and stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Bring to a boil, cover and transfer to the oven to bake until meatballs are cooked through, 20 minutes.Step 3
Top with provolone slices, slightly overlapping, and bake until cheese melts, about 3 minutes longer.Step 4
Serve meatballs, peppers and sauce over egg noodles. Garnish with parsley, if using.