Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs with Penne and Kale

Ingredients:

• 1/4 lb. ground skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup fat-free milk
• 1 large egg white
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 16 (1/2-inch) cubes part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 oz. whole wheat penne
• 2 cups thinly sliced kale

Makes 4 Servings ( 1 1/3 cups pasta mixture, 4 meatballs, 1/2 cup sauce 1 tbsp. Parmesan cheese per serving)

1. Mix together the chicken 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, the bread crumbs, parsley, milk, egg white, garlic and oregano in a large bowl until  well combined. Divide the chicken mixture into 16 equal portions. Shape each portion around a mozzarella cheese cube to form 16 stuffed meatballs.
2. Meanwhile, combine the marinara sauce  and water and bring to a simmer in a large skillet . Gently add the meatballs; cover and simmer, turning the meatballs a few times, until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
3. Cook the penne according to package directions, omitting salt if desired, and adding kale during the last minute of cooking; drain.
4. Divide the pasta-kale mixture among 4 plates; top evenly with the meatballs and sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.

WW POINTS VALUE: 10 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Ultimate Chicken Cookbook. This is what I call ultimate Italian comfort food mixed in with a touch of elegance. This dish is perfect for making on a cold winter day. Your soul will be warmed after eating this dish and it make a great dish the next day as leftovers, if you have any. Don't be intimidated when cooking with kale. It's really simple and a great way to add a super-nutritious vegetable to your meal. Kale is a member of the cabbage family and has a high concentrations of antioxidants and nutrients such as Vitamins A, C & K and high in fiber too. You can also use any kind of marinara sauce (especially puttanesca sauce) in this recipe and the dish will still be comforting. If you make this dish for family and friends, it will quickly become a favorite.