Watch video of Lucy and Giada cooking a fantastic pasta dish here!
Well, last month I met Giada in sunny So Cal, and she not only taught me how to make one of her easiest and freshest dishes, the Orecchiette with Mini–Chicken Meatballs you'll see here, but also to share her philosophy on pasta and eating in general. She believes in eating what you love but not overdoing it, and in focusing on fresh ingredients that pack a wallop of goodness in every bite.
The tomatoes and basil were garden-fresh, the ground chicken was lean and easy to work into meatballs (even for me, the nonchef!) and the fragrant Parmesan and Romano were so flavorful that a little went a long way.
The result was a dish so simple, even I could make it in 10 or 15 minutes, so tasty anyone would salivate over it, and so healthy that even if you did eat a bit too much it would not blow your diet.
So try this recipe, and remember to enjoy every bite of your holiday fare. It's part of being that balanced SELFy woman: You deserve to love your holidays, your traditions and your body. With the December issue of SELF, I guarantee that you will.
For more great recipes, watch Giada at Home Saturdays at 1 p/12c.
Related: Cooking queen Giada De Laurentiis shares tips on staying slim, sane and serene during the holidays.
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