If you’re searching for a dish that’s guaranteed to impress and comfort in equal measure, let me introduce you to the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe. Imagine juicy, tender chicken meatballs simmered in a rich, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce—this is the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table swoon. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a cozy dinner at home, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal fuss, earning its spot as a true weeknight luxury.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I absolutely love about this recipe is how each ingredient serves a real purpose—no fillers, just pure flavor! Every item, from the ground chicken to the sun-dried tomatoes, brings its own magic, creating the signature taste and creamy texture of this unforgettable dish.
- Ground chicken: Lean and mild, it forms the perfect base for ultra-tender meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs for that ideal, never-dry texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth in both the meatballs and sauce.
- Egg: Essential for binding everything together in the meatballs.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a punch of flavor in both the meatballs and sauce.
- Italian seasoning: Delivers those classic herbaceous notes that make each bite sing.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple, but absolutely necessary for brightening up all the flavors.
- Olive oil: For searing the meatballs to golden-brown perfection.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, velvety base for the creamy sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick of gentle heat—add as much or as little as you like.
- Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and adds savory backbone to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that irresistibly luscious and dreamy sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Sweet-tart and packed with umami, they take the flavor over the top.
- Fresh basil or parsley: For a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens every serving.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands (trust me, it’s the best tool for the job!) and mix just until everything is incorporated. Don’t overwork it—this helps keep your meatballs light and tender. Scoop out portions and roll them into 1 1/2-inch balls. You should get about 16 meatballs, just the right size for soaking up all that luscious sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the meatballs in batches. Sear them on all sides, turning gently, until they’re beautifully golden—this takes about 6 to 8 minutes. They don’t need to be cooked through yet; just make sure they have a nice crust. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate while you get that dreamy sauce going.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—those browned bits are flavor gold!), melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and, if you like a little spice, the red pepper flakes. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the pan, then add the heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir and let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, until it’s slightly thickened and silky.
Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce
Carefully nestle the seared meatballs back into the skillet, turning to coat them in that irresistible sauce. Simmer everything together for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened just enough to cling to each one. The aroma at this point is nothing short of heavenly!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the finished dish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. This simple touch adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich, creamy flavors. Now you’re ready to enjoy the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe at its absolute best!
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh basil or parsley makes a world of difference, adding both color and a pop of freshness to each plate. For a little extra decadence, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan right before serving. If you love a bit of heat, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes on top works wonders!
Side Dishes
These creamy chicken meatballs are fabulous over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, perfectly twirled pasta, or fluffy rice to soak up every drop of sauce. For a lighter meal, serve alongside garlicky sautéed greens or a crisp garden salad—these sides balance the richness of the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the meatballs and sauce into toasted sub rolls for the ultimate comfort sandwich, or serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for dipping right into the skillet. If you’re hosting, arrange them over a platter of creamy polenta with a shower of herbs for a stunning family-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully! Once cooled, transfer the meatballs and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce actually gets even more flavorful as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.
Freezing
For longer storage, place the cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge—this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe is just as delicious after a deep freeze!
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot throughout. The flavors meld together even more after a day or two!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a perfect substitute for chicken in this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe. It brings a similar texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Is the sauce very spicy with the red pepper flakes?
Not at all, unless you want it to be! The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, but you can easily adjust the amount (or leave them out) to suit your taste.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety. Everything else in the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! Stir in a handful of baby spinach or some sautéed mushrooms with the sun-dried tomatoes for extra color, nutrition, and flavor. The sauce is wonderfully adaptable.
What’s the best way to serve this for a dinner party?
Arrange the meatballs and sauce on a beautiful platter, garnish generously with fresh herbs, and serve family-style. Add a big bowl of pasta or a loaf of crusty bread on the side—your guests will be wowed by this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe enough—it’s pure comfort food with a touch of elegance, and it’s so simple to throw together. Give it a try, and watch it become an instant favorite at your table!
Print
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs combine tender ground chicken meatballs with a luscious sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce. This easy stovetop recipe is a flavorful and comforting main course perfect for weeknight dinners, served best over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
- Sear the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and sear, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, approximately 6 to 8 minutes total. Once browned, transfer meatballs to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and gently simmer in the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked through and coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the dish before serving. Serve the meatballs hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a hearty and delicious meal.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground chicken.
- Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for additional vegetables and flavor.
- To make ahead, cook meatballs and prepare sauce separately; combine and reheat before serving.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
