Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

These tender oven-baked chicken meatballs are finished in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and basil for an easy 45-minute family dinner.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Servings:

Calories: 501kcal

Author: Karin and Ken

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground chicken
½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cups fresh baby spinach
¼ cup fresh basil chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Gently combine the meatball ingredients just until incorporated. Portion into approximately 18 meatballs, about 1½ tablespoons each, and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the centers reach 165°F.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Add the broth and stir to incorporate the flavors from the bottom of the skillet.
Stir in the cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Gently simmer for 4–5 minutes, until beginning to thicken but still pourable. Add spinach and cook just until wilted.
Add the baked meatballs and gently simmer for 3–5 minutes, spooning sauce over them. Stir in basil and serve immediately over pasta, mashed potatoes or rice.

Notes

Mix the ground chicken only until combined for tender meatballs.
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
The sauce should still be somewhat loose before adding the meatballs; it thickens during the final simmer.
Ground chicken meatballs should reach 165°F internally.
Add fresh basil immediately before serving for the best flavor.

Nutrition