FLORENTINE MAC AND CHEESE AND ROAST CHICKEN SAUSAGE MEATBALLS

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Florentine Mac and Cheese and Roast Chicken Sausage Meatballs image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

Salt
1 pound cavatappi corkscrew shaped hallow pasta
1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
Black pepper
2 to 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves stripped and finely chopped
2 teaspoons fennel seeds
3 cloves garlic, grated
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups grated Parmigiano Reggiano, divided
1 egg
3/4 cup bread crumbs, plus more, if needed*
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 boxes, 10 ounces, chopped frozen spinach
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup whole milk
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg, eyeball it

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Place a large pot of water on to boil for pasta. When it comes to a boil, salt it and add the pasta to cook to al dente. Strain pasta reserving 1 cup cooking liquid.
  • While the water is coming to a boil, in a large mixing bowl combine the chicken, salt and pepper, rosemary, fennel seeds, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano - a rounded handful, egg and bread crumbs. *If the mixture seems too wet, add a handful of bread crumbs and mix together.
  • Form 8 large round balls, about 3 to 4-inches. Coat balls in a couple of tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and lightly grease a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil. Arrange balls on the baking sheet and roast 17 to 18 minutes until juices run clear.
  • Defrost spinach in microwave 8 to 10 minutes on "defrost" setting depending on the microwave. Place the boxes in a shallow dish to catch any run off.
  • While the meatballs roast, in a medium sauce pot over medium heat, melt butter, whisk in flour, cook 1 minute then whisk in stock and milk, season with salt, pepper and nutmeg and thicken 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1 cup grated Parmigiano and reduce heat on lowest setting.
  • Wring spinach completely dry in clean kitchen towel then separate as you add it to the sauce. Also add the reserved 1 cup pasta cooking liquid.
  • Toss pasta with the spinach-white sauce and adjust seasonings.
  • Serve Florentine Mac-n-Cheese with 2 meatballs per person along side.

bill rapheal
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This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's worth it. The meatballs are amazing and the mac and cheese is to die for.


charles steinlage
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I made this recipe for my family and they loved it. The meatballs were especially popular.


bawa imran
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This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken. The meatballs are a great addition to the mac and cheese.


Farhan Shakir
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I'm not a big fan of meatballs, but I loved these ones. They were so moist and flavorful.


Cindy Blauch
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This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's worth it. The meatballs are amazing and the mac and cheese is to die for.


Nhs gaming Bd
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I've made this recipe several times and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The meatballs are always juicy and flavorful, and the mac and cheese is creamy and cheesy.


sloux africana
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This recipe was easy to follow and the results were delicious. I will definitely be making this again.


Raabia Parker
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I'm not a big fan of mac and cheese, but I loved this recipe! The meatballs were especially good.


Penny Johnson
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This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken. The meatballs are moist and flavorful, and the mac and cheese is creamy and cheesy.


Louie Prom
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I made this recipe for a potluck and it was a huge success! Everyone loved it.


Ndoni
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The meatballs were a bit dry, but the mac and cheese was delicious.


Varasa Annvire
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This recipe was a hit with my family! The mac and cheese was creamy and flavorful, and the meatballs were juicy and well-seasoned. I will definitely be making this again.