How to Make Chicken Meatballs in Arrabbiata Sauce with Radiatori: A Spicy and Delicious Dish for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a dish that will wow your guests, satisfy your cravings, and make your kitchen smell amazing, look no further than chicken meatballs in arrabbiata sauce with radiatori. This dish is easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a cozy dinner or a party appetizer. Here’s how to make it and some variations you can try.

What is arrabbiata sauce?

Arrabbiata sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce that is spicy, garlicky, and rich. The name arrabbiata means “angry” in Italian, referring to the heat from the red pepper flakes. The sauce is usually made with canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and basil. Some recipes also add onion, carrot, celery, or parsley for extra flavor and texture.

What are radiatori?

Radiatori are a type of pasta that have a ridged, ruffled shape that resembles a radiator. They are great for catching the sauce and meatballs in every bite. They are also fun and textured, adding some interest to the dish. You can find them in most grocery stores or online, or you can use any other short pasta shape you like, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.

How to make chicken meatballs in arrabbiata sauce with radiatori

To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

– For the meatballs:

— 1 pound of ground chicken

— 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

— 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs

— 2 tablespoons of heavy cream

— 2 cloves of garlic, minced

— 2 teaspoons of dried basil

— Salt and pepper to taste

— 2 tablespoons of olive oil for frying

– For the sauce:

— 2 tablespoons of olive oil

— 4 cloves of garlic, minced

— 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, or more to taste

— 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes

— 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil

— Salt and pepper to taste

– For the pasta:

— 1 pound of radiatori pasta

— Salted water for boiling

— Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

To make the meatballs, follow these steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, heavy cream, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until well combined.

2. Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get about 24 meatballs.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

To make the sauce, follow these steps:

1. In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

2. Add the crushed tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes.

3. Stir in the fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

To make the pasta, follow these steps:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the radiatori pasta and cook according to the package directions, until al dente, about 10 minutes.

2. Drain the pasta and return to the pot. Add some of the sauce and toss to coat.

3. Serve the pasta topped with more sauce and meatballs. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Variations you can try

This dish is versatile and can be customized to your liking. Here are some ideas you can try:

– For a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based ground meat or lentils to make the meatballs, and vegetable broth or water to replace the heavy cream.

– For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta, or use cooked rice or quinoa instead of pasta.

– For a dairy-free version, you can omit the cheese and cream, or use vegan cheese and plant-based milk instead.

– For a different flavor, you can use ground turkey, beef, or pork to make the meatballs, and add other herbs and spices to the sauce, such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika.

This dish is a crowd-pleaser that will make you feel like a gourmet chef. It’s spicy, hearty, and delicious, and can be enjoyed any time of the year. Try it today and let us know what you think!