Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Hi everyone!

Happy hump day! Friday is in sight!

I’ve been on a low-carb, grain-free kick lately. So of course, what is the one thing I crave all the time? Carbs. Pasta. Bread.

So I wanted to brainstorm a healthy version of a carb-o-loaded dish. What’s the first dish that came to mind?

A big ol’ bowl of spaghetti.

And after a handful of experiments for creative ways to make healthy spaghetti, it’s finally hit me.

What does a big bowl of spaghetti need?

MEATBALLS.

But these aren’t just any meatballs. These are cheese stuffed. Yes, mozzarella stuffed, flavorful awesomeness.

AWESOMENESS.

The title is a mouthful, but don’t let that scare you. These little babies are easy to cook up!

Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

• 1 lb. ground chicken breast
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 red pepper
• 1/2 white onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp. Italian herb blend (I also used some fresh basil from my herb garden!)
• a few pinches of salt and pepper
• 4 part-skim mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut into cubes (4 cubes/stick)
• grated parmesan cheese for topping

1. Preheat oven 400*F and grease muffin tins.
2. Mince onion and pepper (I did a few quick pulses in my food processor).
3. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients, except for the string cheese. I used my hands to mix!
4. Place 1 small spoonful of the meatball mixture into the palm of your hand, and press down lightly to form a small circle.

5. Place one cube of cheese in the center and top with another small spoonful of the meatball mixture.

6. Press edges down with your fingers and roll lightly between the palms of your hands to maintain the circular shape. Place one meatball in each muffin well.

7. Sprinkle with grated parmesan and bake for 25-30 min.

Putting cheese on top of anything make it a bazillion time better

Serve with zucchini pasta (aka shredded zucchini) and top with pasta sauce. I love Muir Glen Organic!

nighttime photo shoots = orangey-tinted photos

there’s a better picture!

Makes 18 meatballs, or 6 servings.

Per serving: 181 calories, 4g carbs, 8g fat, 24g protein

Protein packed, flavor-filled. YUM!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

xoxox, K