Date Night Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Creamy Polenta Recipe

Ingredients

• ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 3 cloves garlic, finely grated
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1¼ pounds ground chicken (ground turkey works too)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup finely chopped onions
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed Italian tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
• 6 cups cooking liquid (combination of broth, water, milk, or cream)
• 1 cup polenta or coarse ground cornmeal
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh basil and additional parmesan for garnish (optional)