Creamy Garlic Pasta Nests with Pesto Chicken Meatballs

When I first discovered the recipe for Creamy Garlic Pasta Nests with Pesto Chicken Meatballs, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken meatballs, and delicate angel hair pasta nests was simply irresistible. It was a rainy evening, and the thought of cozying up with a warm plate of this delicious dish made me feel warm inside. As I gathered my ingredients, I couldn’t help but imagine the rich flavors melding together as they cooked. This dish has since become a favorite in my household, often requested for family dinners and gatherings alike.

Ingredients Overview for Creamy Garlic Pasta Nests with Pesto Chicken Meatballs

The ingredients for Creamy Garlic Pasta Nests with Pesto Chicken Meatballs are simple yet impactful, coming together to create a harmonious dish. The combination of creamy sauce, chicken, and pasta nests makes for a delightful meal. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

• 11 individual meatballs from one package Gold’n Plump® Chicken Meatballs – Pesto Italian, thawed: These savory meatballs serve as the protein and add wonderful flavors.
• 1 16-oz. package angel hair nests: These delicate pasta nests are perfect for trapping the creamy sauce and enhancing the overall texture.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• 6 large cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavors.
• 1 and 1/2 cups heavy cream: Creates the creamy sauce that binds everything together.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan: Adds a sharp, savory element and a creamy texture to the sauce.
• 1/4 cup pesto: Offers a burst of fresh flavor and earthiness.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Provides a nice kick and enhances the flavor profile.
• Shredded Parmesan for garnish, if desired: A finishing touch for added elegance.
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley for garnish, if desired: Adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Small fresh basil leaves for garnish, if desired: Complements the flavors beautifully.

The Method for Creamy Garlic Pasta Nests with Pesto Chicken Meatballs

Cooking Creamy Garlic Pasta Nests with Pesto Chicken Meatballs is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready in no time!

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F. This ensures that your dish will cook evenly and thoroughly.
2. Lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and set it aside. This prevents the meatballs from sticking as they bake.
3. Bring a medium-large pot of salted water to a boil. Add all the pasta nests and then reduce the heat so that the water is only gently bubbling. Cook for 2 minutes, just until al dente. Using a slotted spoon, quickly remove the pasta nests from the water, draining as much water as you can, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Set aside, but don’t discard the pasta water as you’ll need it later.
4. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet or another oven-safe skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Add butter. Once melted, add the garlic, stirring to coat. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring regularly, until the garlic is softened. If the garlic starts to brown, turn the heat down a bit.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and kosher salt. When the mixture starts to bubble, let it simmer for 2 minutes longer, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together.
6. Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and then whisk in the grated Parmesan until smooth. Be sure to taste and add a bit more salt if needed to balance the flavors.
7. Remove the skillet from heat. Nestle each of the cooked pasta nests into the creamy sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of pesto to the centers of each pasta nest, spreading it a bit into the pasta. The pesto will infuse the pasta with its wonderful flavor.
8. Press a chicken meatball into the center of each pasta nest, and then add a bit more pesto to the top of each meatball. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
9. Cover the skillet with foil, ensuring not to let the foil touch the meatballs, and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cream sauce is bubbling lightly.
10. Once done, sprinkle each pasta nest with a bit of freshly ground black pepper, plus freshly shredded Parmesan, minced parsley, and basil leaves, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your culinary creation!

Helpful Notes about Creamy Garlic Pasta Nests with Pesto Chicken Meatballs

Here are some helpful notes to enhance your experience with Creamy Garlic Pasta Nests with Pesto Chicken Meatballs:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream to revive the sauce.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh garden salad for a light meal or crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Variations: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the dish for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Serving Temperature: This dish is best served hot, just out of the oven, to enjoy the creamy sauce at its finest.

Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Pasta Nests with Pesto Chicken Meatballs

Enjoying Creamy Garlic Pasta Nests with Pesto Chicken Meatballs opens up a world of delicious pairing possibilities:

• Fresh Salad: A crisp mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette beautifully complements the creaminess of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce.
• Wine Pairing: A light, non-alcoholic sparkling water adds a refreshing touch to the meal.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays.
• Seasonal Sides: In the summer, serve with grilled vegetables, while roasted root vegetables are fantastic in the winter.
• Leftover Ideas: If you have leftovers, consider turning them into a pasta bake by adding more sauce and cheese before reheating.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Creamy Garlic Pasta Nests with Pesto Chicken Meatballs is a unique and delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor together in every bite. With its creamy sauce and savory meatballs, it’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your home. I encourage you to try making it for your next family dinner or gathering — you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a favorite!

Creamy Garlic Pasta Nests with Pesto Chicken Meatballs

The ultimate comfort food, Creamy Garlic Pasta Nests with Pesto Chicken Meatballs combines rich flavors and creamy textures for an easy weeknight dinner. Indulge in this savory dish and make it tonight for a delightful meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 580

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 package 11 individual meatballs from one package Gold’n Plump® Chicken Meatballs – Pesto Italian, thawed
• 1 16-oz. package Angel hair nests this is what I use, which has 11 nests per package
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 6 Large cloves garlic minced
• 1.5 cups Heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup Pesto
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Shredded Parmesan for garnish, if desired
• 1 tablespoon Minced fresh parsley for garnish, if desired
• Small fresh basil leaves for garnish, if desired

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Skillet
• Grater
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Large Pot
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F. This ensures that your dish will cook evenly and thoroughly.
2. Lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and set it aside. This prevents the meatballs from sticking as they bake.
3. Bring a medium-large pot of salted water to a boil. Add all the pasta nests and then reduce the heat so that the water is only gently bubbling. Cook for 2 minutes, just until al dente. Using a slotted spoon, quickly remove the pasta nests from the water, draining as much water as you can, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Set aside, but don't discard the pasta water as you'll need it later.
4. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet or another oven-safe skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Add butter. Once melted, add the garlic, stirring to coat. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring regularly, until the garlic is softened. If the garlic starts to brown, turn the heat down a bit.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and kosher salt. When the mixture starts to bubble, let it simmer for 2 minutes longer, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together.
6. Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and then whisk in the grated Parmesan until smooth. Be sure to taste and add a bit more salt if needed to balance the flavors.
7. Remove the skillet from heat. Nestle each of the cooked pasta nests into the creamy sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of pesto to the centers of each pasta nest, spreading it a bit into the pasta. The pesto will infuse the pasta with its wonderful flavor.
8. Press a chicken meatball into the center of each pasta nest, and then add a bit more pesto to the top of each meatball. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
9. Cover the skillet with foil, ensuring not to let the foil touch the meatballs, and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cream sauce is bubbling lightly.
10. Once done, sprinkle each pasta nest with a bit of freshly ground black pepper, plus freshly shredded Parmesan, minced parsley, and basil leaves, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your culinary creation!

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream to revive the sauce.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh garden salad for a light meal or crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Variations: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the dish for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Serving Temperature: This dish is best served hot, just out of the oven, to enjoy the creamy sauce at its finest.

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Meet Juliet Sterling

Creating rich, complex flavors is my obsession, though I am just as passionate about capturing them through the lens. I develop recipes that taste like they simmered all day but are actually achievable for any home cook. I cooked and styled this dish to ensure the flavors are balanced and the presentation inspires you.