Eats By Ashley

Italian food is extremely comforting, filling, and delicious. Pasta is my go to meal when I want something easy and comforting. This meal is packed with vegetables and healthy fats from the extra virgin olive oil. The ricotta adds a creamy texture to the pasta and combined with the pesto creates a mouthwatering sauce. The chicken meatballs are filled with Italian spices and are sure to leave you feeling satiated. This recipe makes 3-4 servings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tbsp dried basil
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups of dried pasta
• 1 medium zucchini
• 15 cherry tomatoes
• 1 head of asparagus
• 1/3 cup of pesto sauce
• 1/3 cup of ricotta cheese

Directions

• combine egg, ground chicken, spices, and bread crumbs
• form into small 1/2 inch meatballs
• heat olive oil in a pan and once it begins to sizzle add in the chicken meatballs
• cook for 3-5 minute per side
• preheat oven to 350F
• cut asparagus stems off and slice zucchini
• add asparagus, zucchini, and tomato to a baking sheet with a small drizzle of olive oil and a dash of garlic powder
• roast vegetables for 17-18 minutes flipping half way through
• cook pasta according to package
• drain pasta, add back into the pot with ricotta and pesto to create the sauce
• add the roasted vegetables and chicken meatball into the pot then serve