Best 5 Florentine Mac And Cheese And Roast Chicken Sausage Meatballs Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey that harmoniously blends the comforting classic of macaroni and cheese with the savory delight of Florentine flavors. Discover a recipe that elevates the familiar dish with the vibrant essence of spinach, mushrooms, and the richness of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Dive into a symphony of textures and tastes, as the creamy béchamel sauce envelops the al dente pasta, creating a harmonious balance between indulgence and freshness.

Complementing this delightful main course is a delectable array of roast chicken sausage meatballs. Crafted with a blend of ground chicken and aromatic Italian sausage, these meatballs burst with juicy flavors. The addition of spinach, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs ensures a moist and flavorful interior, while the golden-brown exterior adds a crispy touch. Savor the meatballs on their own or pair them with the creamy Florentine mac and cheese for a complete and satisfying meal.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MINI CHICKEN SAUSAGE MEATBALLS WITH GNOCCHI AND TOMATO SAUCE



Mini Chicken Sausage Meatballs with Gnocchi and Tomato Sauce image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Salt
1 pound gnocchi ( potato dumplings) from refrigerated or frozen foods section of market
1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
1 tablespoon grill seasoning (recommended: Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick)
1 teaspoon fennel seeds, 1/3 palm full
1/4 cup tender sun dried tomatoes (available in pouches or tubs in produce section)
20 leaves fresh basil, divided
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus some to drizzle
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Romano, to pass at table

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Bring a pot of water to boil for gnocchi. Season the water with salt, add gnocchi and cook according to package directions.
  • Place chicken in a medium bowl with grill seasoning and add the fennel seeds. Pile sun-dried tomatoes on top of each other in small stacks then slice into thin strips. Coarsely chop the thin strips and add to bowl. Stack 10 basil leaves together then roll them up into a log. Shred the basil by thinly slicing the log. Add basil to the bowl. Drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil over the chicken, mix meat together and roll into mini balls, 1 1/2 inches across, and arrange on a nonstick cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degree F for 10 to 12 minutes or until firm and lightly golden.
  • Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, the onions and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the tomatoes and sauce and season with salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat. Stir in the remaining 10 leaves of basil, whole or torn.
  • Drain gnocchi and remove balls from oven. Toss gnocchi and meat balls with sauce and serve with grated cheese to pass at table.

CHICKEN FLORENTINE MAC AND CHEESE



Chicken Florentine Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 pound elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons salted butter
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded white Cheddar
1 cup shredded fontina cheese
2 teaspoons cornstarch
8 ounces white processed cheese, such as Velveeta or queso blanco, cubed
3 cups baby spinach
1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat half the butter in a braiser over medium heat. Add the chicken, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, then stir and cook briefly. Add the chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pan as it boils. Add the milk, cream and the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and cook, stirring, until it is warmed through and the sauce is simmering.
  • Toss together the Cheddar, fontina and cornstarch in a bowl.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheese mixture into the pan, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted. Add the processed cheese cubes and allow them to melt. Bring to a simmer and allow the sauce to thicken, about 1 minute. Add the cooked macaroni, the spinach and tomatoes, then stir until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Garnish with the fresh parsley and serve.

CHICKEN FLORENTINE MEATBALLS



Chicken Florentine Meatballs image

Served over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. -Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 pound ground chicken
1 medium spaghetti squash
SAUCE:
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Crumble chicken over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls., Place meatballs on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until no longer pink. Meanwhile, cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 15-18 minutes or until tender., For sauce, in a large nonstick skillet, saute mushrooms in oil until tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Add meatballs and heat through., When squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to separate strands. Serve with meatballs and sauce. Freeze option: Place individual portions of cooled meatballs and squash in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Microwave, covered, on high in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, gently stirring and adding a little water if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 303 calories, Fat 12g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 123mg cholesterol, Sodium 617mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

FLORENTINE MAC AND CHEESE AND ROAST CHICKEN SAUSAGE MEATBALLS



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.

FLORENTINE MEATBALLS



Florentine Meatballs image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 box frozen spinach, defrosted in the microwave
1 1/3 pound (1 package) ground turkey breast
1 medium onion, finely chopped, divided
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups milk, divided
3/4 cup bread crumbs, 3 handfuls
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, 2 palm fulls
Coarse salt and black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock
1 (10-ounce) sack shredded provolone or blend of Italian cheeses, available on dairy aisle
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, eyeball it
1/4 cup parsley leaves, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Wring defrosted spinach dry in a clean kitchen towel. Place turkey in a bowl and make a well in the middle of it. Add the spinach, all but 3 tablespoons of the onion, all of the garlic, 1 large egg, about 1/4 cup milk, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, salt and pepper. Mix well. Form into 12 large balls and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Arrange on a nonstick cookie sheet and roast 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
  • While balls are in the oven, heat a small sauce pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Melt butter, add remaining finely chopped onion and cook 2 minutes then whisk in flour. Cook flour 1 minute, then whisk in 1 1/2 cups milk and 1 cup stock. Bring liquid up to a boil then stir in shredded provolone or blended Italian cheeses. Season the sauce with salt, pepper and nutmeg, turn heat to lowest setting.
  • Place 3 balls on dinner plates and top with sauce, garnish with parsley.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, flavorful cheeses, and quality pasta will make a big difference in the final dish.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta will hold its shape and texture better in the sauce.
  • Make sure the sauce is thick enough: A good mac and cheese sauce should be thick and creamy, not watery.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses: There are endless possibilities when it comes to cheese combinations for mac and cheese.
  • Top with your favorite garnishes: Breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, or chopped parsley are all great options.
  • Roast the chicken sausage meatballs thoroughly: Make sure the meatballs are cooked through before adding them to the mac and cheese.
  • Serve the mac and cheese immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Conclusion:

Florentine mac and cheese and roast chicken sausage meatballs is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, flavorful sauce, tender meatballs, and cheesy topping, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy mac and cheese, give this recipe a try.

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