Zesty Chicken Meatballs with Basil Pesto Fettucine

While I've always dabbled in cooking and baking, this year I have decided to try to make something new each month. My goal is to not only expand my culinary knowledge to but to get us out of meal-rut rotation we are in. I work full-time so I don't always have time to prep a complicated meal that takes hours....did I mention I also have a toddler and infant and husband and a dog and a cat and laundry...you get the point- I'm a busy girl, but I love food and my busy life shouldn't hinder my passion. To me food is love- we celebrate with food and we grieve with food. Below is the January recipe. It comes from Cooking for Real, and of course, I tweaked it a bit. Enjoy!

Zesty Chicken Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 egg, whisked

• 3 tablespoons unseasoned whole-wheat bread crumbs

• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 2 teaspoons onion powder

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano leaves, about 1 small sprig

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves, about 5 sprigs

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro leaves

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

• 1 lemon, zested

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

In a large bowl, gently mix the chicken, garlic, egg, bread crumbs, Worcestershire, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cilantro, brown sugar, lemon zest, 2 healthy pinches of salt and a few grinds of pepper in a bowl. Form into mini meatballs, slightly smaller than a golf ball; it should make 28 to 30 meatballs. Warm the butter and oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Transfer the meatballs to the pan and do not disturb for 3 minutes to brown well. Turn, cooking another 3 minutes without disturbing. Keep cooking until browned and cooked on all sides, but still juicy and plump with a spring to the touch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve atop fettuccine with basil pesto (fresh or store bought).