INGREDIENTS

For the sauce:

1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes, liquid reserved
1 tbsp. butter
¼ cup finely chopped onion
1½ tbsp. tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp. red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/3 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
For the meatballs:

½ cup dried panko
1/3 cup grated onion
1 tsp. dried parsley
1 tsp. dried basil
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1½ lbs. ground chicken
2 tbsp. olive oil
To finish:

4 oz. shredded mozzarella*
2 tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan
2-3 tbsp. minced fresh basil (optional)