Favorite Pesto Meatballs
Tender, flavorful, and easy to make and share, these Pesto Meatballs are a favorite family dinner. You can bake them in the oven or cook in the air fryer, and they're delicious with pasta or as meatball sandwiches.
Servings: 8 (Makes 36 meatballs)
Calories: 173kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup shredded zucchini (squeezed very dry; from about 1 small zucchini; if you don't want to see the green in the meatball, peel the zucchini before grating)
- ½ cup Italian-flavored breadcrumbs
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan
- ¼ cup pesto
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Coat with nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, mix the ingredients together with clean hands. Use a tablespoon measuring spoon to measure out meatballs. Roll into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 22-24 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. (To make in the air fryer, cook 12 minutes at 375 degrees F on a greased tray.)
- Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce, or set aside to cool and freeze.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Or, let them cool fully and you can freeze in a freezer bag for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, simmer in tomato sauce to warm, or warm in 15- to 30-second increments in the microwave.
- If you plan to make these ahead as a meal-prep option, I recommend baking as directed, then storing.
- You can use store bought basil pesto to add flavor in these meatballs or you can use my homemade Spinach Pesto. Since the oil amount in pesto ranges, drain the meatballs on a paper-towel-lined plate if there is excess oil on the tray after baking.
- Serve with Marinara sauce, Pesto, Cheese Sauce, or with a side of ketchup or any other favorite dip.
- Dice for older babies or younger toddlers as needed.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Dairy-free: Use vegan Parmesan cheese.
- Egg-free: Omit the egg and add 1 tablespoon milk.
Nutrition
Serving: 3 meatballs | Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 315mg | Potassium: 347mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 265IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 1mg