Description
Savor Marry Me Chicken Meatballs in Creamy Tomato Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken meatballs simmered in a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this easy recipe combines mild spices, fresh herbs, and a luscious sauce that pairs well with pasta, crusty bread, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for browning meatballs)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Variations and Garnishes
- Red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños (for spicy kick)
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour
- Finely grated zucchini or carrots (added to meatballs)
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese, basil, or olive oil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined without overworking the meat, then shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Add Cream and Meatballs: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, turning the sauce velvety and smooth. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let everything simmer until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh basil and parsley over the meatballs and sauce for a fresh and colorful finish. Garnish with additional Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Brown meatballs thoroughly to enhance flavor and retain moisture.
- Simmer the sauce gently after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Use fresh herbs to brighten and lift the dish’s flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning at the end to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 meatballs with sauce)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken meatballs, creamy tomato sauce, Italian meatballs, easy dinner, comforting meal, gluten free meatballs