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eatballs Your New Family Favorite Dinner Recipe

eatballs Your New Family Favorite Dinner Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 15 reviews

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Meatballs combine tender ground chicken meatballs baked to golden perfection and then simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce made with cream, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. This comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a family dinner that brings creamy, savory delights to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb Lean Ground Chicken
  • 1 cup Italian Breadcrumbs (gluten-free optional)
  • 1/2 cup Half and Half (milk can be used as an alternative)
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic (fresh garlic recommended)
  • 1/4 cup Parsley (chopped; basil can be substituted)
  • 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese (cottage cheese can be used)
  • 1 large Egg (for vegan option use flaxseed meal with water)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated; Pecorino Romano as alternative)
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Coarse Black Pepper

For the Sauce

  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (olive oil for dairy-free option)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (coconut cream for dairy-free option)
  • 2 cups Spinach (baby spinach recommended)
  • 1/2 cup Julienne Sun-Dried Tomatoes (fresh tomatoes can be used)
  • 2 cloves Additional Garlic
  • To taste Additional Seasoning (salt and pepper)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a large baking sheet with nonstick foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Soak Breadcrumbs: Soak the Italian breadcrumbs in half and half for about 2 minutes to soften and add moisture to the meatballs.
  3. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped parsley, lean ground chicken, the soaked breadcrumbs, egg, ricotta, Parmesan, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined to keep the texture tender.
  4. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into approximately 18 evenly sized meatballs and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet.
  5. Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Prepare Sauce Base: While the meatballs bake, melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add additional minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned.
  7. Add Cream and Simmer: Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
  8. Season and Add Cheese: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
  9. Incorporate Vegetables: Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the skillet, cooking just until the spinach wilts and the sauce is well combined.
  10. Combine Meatballs with Sauce: Gently place the baked meatballs into the skillet with the sauce, allowing them to simmer together for an additional 2 minutes so flavors meld.
  11. Serve and Garnish: Optionally garnish with extra chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy warm with your choice of sides.

Notes

  • Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze meatballs in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
  • To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream.
  • For a vegan alternative, substitute the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use cottage cheese alternatives or omit cheese.
  • Gluten-free options include using gluten-free Italian breadcrumbs.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste; fresh herbs can enhance the flavor if available.
  • Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken meatballs, creamy chicken meatballs, Italian chicken meatballs, dinner recipes, creamy sauce, gluten-free chicken meatballs

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/eatballs-your-new-family-favorite-dinner-recipe/