Scherer Family Favorite

Here's a great meal to feed your athletes the evening prior to a game or tournament... This is one of my favorites that I've been making for years! This recipe has a great combo of protein and carbohydrates to fuel even the pickiest eaters. I will admit that my soccer player removes the tomatoes but... I can't win them all! Enjoy! You're going to love this one.

Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs

Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs Recipe : Giada De Laurentiis : Food Network[NON IE8] [if gt IE 8]><!<![endif]end non ie8[ALL] Config js used by all browsers end all[ONLY IE8] IE8 specific css && IE8 specific js [if lt IE 9]> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/etc/designs/food/clientlib-ie8.min.css" type="text/css"> <![endif]end only ie8 [ALL] Main js used by all browsers end allpagetype: recipeTESTTEST Dynamic Tag Manager Header. see cloudservicesconfig at /content/food/jcr:content

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Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, parsley, eggs, milk, ketchup, Romano cheese, and the salt and pepper. Add the chicken and gently stir to combine.
Using a melon baller (or a teaspoon measure), form the chicken mixture into 3/4-inch pieces. With damp hands, roll the chicken pieces into mini meatballs.
In a large (14-inch) skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook without moving until brown on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Turn the meatballs over and brown the other side, about 2 minutes longer. Add the chicken stock and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up the brown bits that cling to the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low and simmer until tomatoes are soft and meatballs are cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. Transfer pasta to a large serving bowl and add the Parmesan. Toss to lightly coat orecchiette, adding reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen the pasta. Add the meatball mixture, mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of the basil. Gently toss to combine. Garnish with the chopped basil.

Recipe courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis, 2008

Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs Recipe : Giada De Laurentiis : Food Network[NON IE8] [if gt IE 8]><!<![endif]end non ie8[ALL] Config js used by all browsers end all[ONLY IE8] IE8 specific css && IE8 specific js [if lt IE 9]> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/etc/designs/food/clientlib-ie8.min.css" type="text/css"> <![endif]end only ie8 [ALL] Main js used by all browsers end allpagetype: recipeTESTTEST Dynamic Tag Manager Header. see cloudservicesconfig at /content/food/jcr:content

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Ingredients