Print

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

creamy marry me chicken meatballs - featured image
Print Recipe

Tender and juicy chicken meatballs soaked in a creamy tomato sauce with a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. This easy recipe is quick to make and perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground chicken (preferably lean but not too dry)
  • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, about 5 minutes.
  2. Using damp hands, form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1¼ inches in diameter, making 16-18 meatballs. Place on a plate or tray.
  3. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, then stir in heavy cream, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, about 5 minutes.
  5. Nestle meatballs carefully into the simmering sauce. Cover with a lid and cook over low-medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning meatballs halfway through. Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or creamy polenta.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and coconut cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Browning meatballs before simmering adds flavor but is optional. If sauce thickens too much, add water or chicken broth to loosen. Slow simmering helps flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken meatballs, creamy tomato sauce, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, creamy marry me chicken, quick recipe

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/creamy-marry-me-chicken-meatballs-in-tomato-sauce-easy-recipe/