Marry Me Meatballs bring all the creamy, rich, and slightly spicy flavors of the famous “Marry Me Chicken” into a comforting meatball dish. Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce make this a dinner that could win anyone’s heart.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground chicken or turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Make the Meatballs:
In a bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until just combined. Shape into 1½-inch meatballs. -
Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Remove and set aside; they will finish cooking in the sauce. -
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, Parmesan, and thyme. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. -
Combine and Simmer:
Return the meatballs to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and simmer for 10–12 minutes on low heat until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender. -
Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Tips:
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For extra depth, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before simmering.
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You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
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The meatballs also work well with ground pork or beef for a richer flavor.
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 520
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 780mg
