18 Healthy Italian Chicken Meatball Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
For those looking to incorporate more protein into their diet while still maintaining a healthy balance, this healthy Italian chicken meatball recipe is the perfect solution. Not only are these meatballs packed with lean protein, but they are also full of flavor and easy to make. Plus, by using chicken instead of beef or pork, you can enjoy your favorite Italian dish without the added guilt. Here's everything you need to know to create these mouthwatering meatballs.
Start off with a classic Italian soup that is sure to please. This hearty soup is filled with chicken meatballs, pasta, and vegetables, making it a satisfying meal on its own.
Tip: For a healthier twist, use ground turkey instead of ground chicken for the meatballs.
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Italian Chicken Meatball Subs
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chopped Onion, Minced Garlic, Peeled Crushed
Take your meatballs to the next level by turning them into subs! These Italian chicken meatball subs are loaded with flavor and are perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Tip: Add some extra mozzarella cheese for a gooey and delicious twist.
If you're looking for a soup that packs a punch, this Italian meatball soup is for you. Filled with spicy Italian sausage and savory meatballs, this soup is a great way to warm up on a cold day.
Tip: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
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Ditalini Italian Soup for #SundaySupper
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onions, Garlic, Diced Tomatoes
This Ditalini Italian soup is perfect for a Sunday family dinner. It's packed with vegetables, chicken meatballs, and pasta, making it a well-rounded and delicious meal.
Tip: Use chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor.
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Easy Italian Wedding Soup with Chicken Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Chopped Carrot, Chopped Celery
If you're short on time but still want a delicious and comforting meal, this easy Italian wedding soup is the way to go. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a flavorful and satisfying soup on the table in no time.
Tip: Use pre-made frozen chicken meatballs to save even more time.
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Freezer-to-Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Onion, Carrots, Escarole, Worcestershire
For those busy days when you don't have time to cook, this freezer-to-slow cooker Italian wedding soup is a lifesaver. Simply prepare the ingredients in advance and freeze them until you're ready to throw them in the slow cooker for a delicious and easy meal.
Tip: Add some red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
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Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Ground Chicken, Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs
Take the stress out of cooking with this slow cooker Italian wedding soup. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal waiting for you when you get home.
Tip: Use a slow cooker liner for easy clean-up.
This Italian wedding meatball soup is a classic dish that never goes out of style. Filled with meatballs, spinach, and orzo pasta, this soup is a crowd-pleaser.
Tip: Use ground pork in addition to the ground chicken for extra flavor.
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Baked Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Marinara Sauce, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
These baked Italian meatballs are the perfect addition to any pasta dish. They are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make, making them a go-to recipe for any weeknight dinner.
Tip: Serve with your favorite pasta sauce and spaghetti for a classic meal.
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Italian Meatball Calzones
Main Ingredients: Hot Italian Sausage, Ground Sirloin, Seasoned Bread
For a fun and unique twist on traditional Italian flavors, try these Italian meatball calzones. Filled with meatballs, mozzarella cheese, and pasta sauce, these calzones are a delicious and easy meal.
Tip: Use pre-made pizza dough for a quick and easy dinner.
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Italian Meatball Tortellini
Main Ingredients: Meatballs, Chicken Broth, Spaghetti Sauce, Cheese
In this dish, meatballs and tortellini pasta come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. This Italian meatball tortellini is perfect for those nights when you're craving comfort food.
Tip: Use frozen tortellini for a quick and easy dinner.
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Italian Wedding Soup with Escarole and Mini Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Stock, Chicken Breasts, Meatballs, Ground Turkey, Egg
This Italian wedding soup is a great way to incorporate some greens into your meal. Filled with escarole and mini meatballs, this soup is hearty, healthy, and delicious.
Tip: Use ground turkey instead of ground chicken for a leaner option.
For those days when you don't have time to go to the grocery store, this frozen Italian meatball soup is a lifesaver. Simply use frozen vegetables, meatballs, and broth for a quick and easy meal.
Tip: Add some freshly grated parmesan cheese for a delicious topping.
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INSTANT POT ITALIAN MEATBALL SOUP
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Large
If you haven't jumped on the instant pot bandwagon yet, now is the time. This instant pot Italian meatball soup is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for those busy weeknights.
Tip: Use chicken stock instead of water for extra flavor.
For those days when you know you won't have time to cook, this crock pot Italian wedding soup is a great option. Simply throw all the ingredients into your crock pot and let it do the work for you.
Tip: Use frozen meatballs for an even easier meal.
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Italian Wedding Soup Dinner
Main Ingredients: Pasta Shells, Olive Oil, Celery, Carrot, Onion
This Italian wedding soup dinner is a complete meal in one dish. Filled with chicken meatballs, pasta, and vegetables, this is a hearty and delicious dinner that the whole family will love.
Tip: Serve with a side salad for some added greens.
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Italian Wedding Soup (Minestra Maritata)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Onions, Large Garlic Cloves, Salt, Pepper, Chicken
This traditional Italian wedding soup, also known as Minestra Maritata, is a classic dish that is full of flavor. With chicken broth, meatballs, and escarole, this soup is perfect for a chilly evening.
Tip: Use ground beef instead of ground chicken for a heartier meatball.
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Italian Wedding Soup with Vegan Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Diced Tomatoes, Low Sodium Vegetable
For a vegetarian twist on traditional Italian flavors, try this Italian wedding soup with vegan meatballs. Made with lentils, quinoa, and vegetables, these meatballs are a delicious and healthy option.
Tip: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegan meal.
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Paleo Italian Meatball Soup (crock pot)
Main Ingredients: Meatball, Ground Italian Sausage, Coconut Flour, Flax
For those following a paleo diet, this paleo Italian meatball soup is a great option. Made with ground turkey, vegetables, and coconut milk, this soup is full of flavor and perfect for a cold day.
Tip: Use arrowroot powder instead of flour for a paleo-friendly thickener.
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Crock Pot Italian Meatball Soup
Main Ingredients: Italian Style Meatballs, Low Sodium Beef Broth, Water
This crock pot Italian meatball soup is a classic dish that is sure to please. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and comforting meal waiting for you when you get home.
Tip: Serve with some freshly grated parmesan cheese for a tasty topping.
Benefits of Using Chicken for Meatballs
Lean and Nutritious
Using chicken instead of beef or pork in meatball recipes offers a variety of health benefits. Chicken is a lean protein source, meaning it contains less fat and fewer calories compared to other meats. This makes it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight. Additionally, chicken is packed with essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.
Lower in Saturated Fat
One of the main reasons chicken is a healthier alternative to beef or pork is its lower saturated fat content. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues, making lean protein sources like chicken a better choice for overall health. By using chicken in your meatball recipe, you can still enjoy the flavors and textures of traditional Italian meatballs without the added saturated fat.
Healthy Ingredients for Flavorful Meatballs
Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs
Instead of using white breadcrumbs, this recipe calls for whole wheat breadcrumbs, which are a healthier option. Whole wheat breadcrumbs are higher in fiber and nutrients compared to white breadcrumbs, making them a better choice for a well-balanced meal. Plus, they add a nutty flavor and texture to the meatballs, enhancing their overall taste.
Garlic and Onion
No Italian dish is complete without the addition of garlic and onion, and these meatballs are no exception. These two ingredients not only add flavor but also offer health benefits. Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, while onion contains antioxidants and may help lower cholesterol levels.
Herbs and Spices
To add even more flavor to these meatballs, a variety of herbs and spices are used. Oregano, basil, and parsley not only add an Italian flair but also offer essential vitamins and minerals. Crushed red pepper flakes add a spicy kick while black pepper adds a depth of flavor. These herbs and spices not only enhance the taste of the meatballs but also offer various health benefits.
Conclusion
By using chicken instead of beef or pork and incorporating healthy ingredients, this Italian chicken meatball recipe is a delicious and nutritious option for any meal. Whether served with pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite. Try out this recipe for a guilt-free and flavorful twist on traditional Italian meatballs.
