Description
A delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken meatballs with a creamy, savory, and tangy Marry Me Sauce. This recipe is perfect for a hearty dinner and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice. The mouthwatering sauce and juicy meatballs make it a comfort meal that will win hearts at the dinner table.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
- 1/2 cup dried Italian bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Marry Me Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, combine ground chicken, Italian bread crumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly using clean hands or a fork until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. - Shape and Cook the Meatballs
Form the mixture into meatballs. You can make 10 large meatballs or 18 smaller ones depending on your preference. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside. - Make the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic. Stir in the flour and cook briefly to form a paste. - Assemble the Creamy Sauce
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper (if necessary). Heat for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. - Combine the Meatballs and Sauce
Return the meatballs to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, allowing the meatballs to soak up the flavors of the sauce. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh basil over the top and serve the dish over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey if desired.
- Make sure to use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor, and drain them thoroughly before adding to the recipe.
- For a lighter version of the sauce, you may use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
