Vodka Meatballs

Ingredients

• ***For the meatballs:***
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons parmesan, finely grated
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• ***For the vodka sauce:***
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons vodka
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup water, plus more, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• kosher salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons parmesan, finely grated, plus more, to taste, for serving
• fresh parsley, optional, to taste, chopped, for serving