Chicken Meatballs with Tomato Gnocchi

Prep time: 20 minutes 

Cook time: 50 minutes 

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

Meatballs:

• 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 500g chicken mince

• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

• 2 tablespoons basil pesto (store bought)

• 1.5 cups fresh breadcrumbs (or panko)

• 1/2 cup milk

• Salt

• Pepper

Sugo:

• 700g jar passata

• 2 cups water

• Simply Wholesome Pantry Mediterranean Recipe Base   

• 400g can crushed tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs

• 1 teaspoon caster sugar

• Salt

• Pepper

• 500g packet gnocchi (store bought)

• 1 tub bocconcini

• 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees.

2. For the meatballs: mix the milk and breadcrumbs in a small bowl and let it sit while you prepare the rest. To a medium bowl add the chicken mince, parmesan, pesto, salt, pepper & breadcrumb/milk mix. Combine.

3. Using an ice cream scoop or your hands, roll out the meatballs and lay on a tray. Preheat a large frying pan, add olive oil and sear the meatballs for a couple of minutes each side. Set aside.

4. Place an oven proof saucepan on medium heat and add the passata, Simply Wholesome Pantry Mediterranean Recipe Base, water, crushed tomatoes, herbs and caster sugar. Season well. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 mins. Turn off the heat. Add the meatballs and the gnocchi to the pot.

5. Cook in the oven for 25 mins until heated through and slightly thickened.

6. Remove and add the bocconcini and fresh basil to the pot. Stir through, season and serve.