Linguine Al Limone with Grilled Chia-Chicken Meatballs

Ingredients

• •¼ cup white chia seeds
• •½ cup purified water
• •1 pound ground chicken
• •¾ cup rolled oats
• •⅓ cup red onion
• •⅓ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• •3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• •¼ cup fresh parsley
• •1 teaspoon oregano
• •2 cloves garlic
• •1½ teaspoons sea salt
• •1 teaspoon black pepper
• •½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• •12 ounces whole grain linguine
• •⅓ cup half-and-half
• •1 whole lemon
• •2 tablespoons fresh basil

Cooking Instructions

1. 1.

   In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the chia seeds and water and let stand for about 20 minutes. (Makes 3/4 cup extra-thick chia gel.)

   20 min

2. 2.

   Prepare an indoor or outdoor grill, or preheat the oven to 475°F.

   10 min

3. 3.

   In a large bowl, use your hands to evenly combine the chia gel, ground chicken, oats, onion, 1/4 cup of the cheese, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the parsley, oregano, garlic, 1 teaspoon of the salt, 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper, and the red pepper flakes. When evenly combined, firmly form mixture into 20 meatballs (about 3 tablespoons each).

   15 min

4. 4.

   Grill over medium heat until well done and brown on all sides, about 15 minutes, rotating only as needed. Alternatively, line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray. Arrange the meatballs on the baking sheet and roast until well done, about 20 minutes. Insert 4 (10-inch) skewers into cooked meatballs, 5 meatballs each. If necessary, keep warm in 175°F oven while preparing linguine.

   20 min

5. 5.

   Cook the linguine according to package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving 3/4 cup pasta cooking water.

   12 min

6. 6.

   Bring the half-and-half, the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, and reserved pasta water to a boil over high heat in a large saucepan. Add the drained pasta and toss to combine. Add the lemon juice and toss to combine. Add the remaining 1/3 cup of cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and toss to combine.

   8 min

7. 7.

   Transfer the linguine to four large pasta bowls. Top each with a skewer of chicken meatballs, sprinkle with basil and lemon zest, and serve.

   5 min