Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Your New Family Favorite Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 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)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, rich, and utterly delicious dinner idea, look no further than this recipe for creamy Tuscan chicken meatballs. These tender, flavorful gems are everything you want in a weeknight feast rolled into one dish—and it’s no surprise that so many have found that these meatballs Your New Family Favorite Dinner instantly become a go-to. The luscious creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach elevates simple meatballs into an indulgent Italian-inspired meal everyone will rave about.

eatballs Your New Family Favorite Dinner Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome ingredients are all you need to assemble this crowd-pleaser, each contributing to the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and vibrant color in every bite.

Lean Ground Chicken: The light and tender base for these juicy meatballs.
Italian Breadcrumbs: Adds structure and a little bite; soak in half and half for softness.
Half and Half: Keeps the meatballs moist; milk can work as an alternative.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic brings fragrant depth to the meat mixture.
Parsley: Brightens the flavor with fresh herbal notes, though basil can be swapped.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness; cottage cheese works if needed.
Large Egg: Binds everything together; for vegan options, flaxseed meal with water can be used.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds savory, nutty umami.
Dried Oregano & Basil: Classic Italian herbs that infuse the meatballs with warmth.
Salt & Coarse Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to make the flavors pop.
Unsalted Butter: For a luscious pan sauce; olive oil can be swapped for dairy-free needs.
Heavy Cream: The heart of the creamy Tuscan sauce; coconut cream works as a substitute.
Baby Spinach: Adds vibrant green color and mild bitterness to balance richness.
Julienne Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Their concentrated sweetness intensifies every mouthful.
Additional Garlic: For sautéing, this brings out a lovely aromatic layer in the sauce.
Additional Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste for finishing.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Your New Family Favorite Dinner

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F and preparing a large baking sheet with nonstick foil. This keeps cleanup easy, so you can focus on the joy of cooking rather than the mess.

Step 2: Soak the Breadcrumbs

Soak your Italian breadcrumbs in half and half for about two minutes. This little step might seem simple, but it makes a world of difference in keeping your meatballs tender, not dry or crumbly.

Step 3: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped parsley, lean ground chicken, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, ricotta, Parmesan, and all the seasonings. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs light and airy rather than dense.

Step 4: Form and Bake the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into approximately 18 meatballs, placing them evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, signaling they’re perfectly cooked inside and out.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the additional garlic until beautifully fragrant. Then pour in the heavy cream, letting it simmer gently for about two minutes to thicken and become velvety.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Veggies

Season the cream sauce with salt and pepper, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and silky. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach, cooking just long enough for the spinach to wilt, adding pops of color and freshness.

Step 7: Finish the Dish

Carefully place your baked meatballs into the luxurious sauce, allowing them to simmer together for an additional two minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Your New Family Favorite Dinner

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving adds a delightful burst of color and a touch of herbal brightness that perfectly complements the richness of the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up every luscious drop of sauce, or serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery pasta to make a complete, irresistible meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the meatballs Your New Family Favorite Dinner over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb but still satisfying option. Alternatively, make it a family-style dinner with a big platter where everyone can serve themselves—that casual vibe makes it feel like a warm, homey celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld deliciously overnight, so leftovers can taste even better!

Freezing

You can freeze cooked meatballs in sauce for up to three months—just cool completely before packing them in freezer-safe containers. This makes a fantastic quick meal whenever you need a comforting dish on the fly.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally so the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t separate. Alternatively, microwave covered in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it evenly warm and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ground meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or even pork can be used in place of chicken. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, and different meats will change the flavor profile, but the creamy Tuscan sauce will always make it mouthwateringly good.

Is there a dairy-free version of this dish?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil for butter, coconut cream for heavy cream, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep the creaminess while accommodating dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

For a vegan take, replace chicken with plant-based ground meat or mashed beans, use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of egg, and opt for vegan cheeses and coconut cream. The sauce can be adapted to maintain richness while keeping it plant-based.

What’s the best way to keep meatballs from drying out?

Soaking breadcrumbs in half and half is key, as it keeps the mixture moist. Also, avoid over-mixing, and bake at a high temperature for a shorter time to lock in juices while getting a nice crust.

Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs ahead of time and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This step saves time on busy days, making it easier to enjoy your meatballs Your New Family Favorite Dinner whenever you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dish that brings smiles, warmth, and satisfaction all at once, and these creamy Tuscan chicken meatballs certainly check all those boxes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend feast, these meatballs Your New Family Favorite Dinner will quickly find their way into your regular rotation. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to delight your family with every tender, flavor-packed bite.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Meatballs Your New Family Favorite Dinner

★★★★★

5 from 11 reviews

Author: Hugo
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 18 meatballs (serves 4-6) 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and comforting dinner option featuring juicy chicken meatballs baked to golden perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe balances fresh herbs, garlic, and cheeses for a flavorful meal that your family will love.

Instructions

Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a large baking sheet with nonstick foil for easy cleanup.
Soak Breadcrumbs: Soak the Italian breadcrumbs in half and half for about 2 minutes to soften, which helps keep the meatballs tender.
Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped parsley, lean ground chicken, the soaked breadcrumbs, egg, ricotta, Parmesan, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into approximately 18 evenly sized meatballs and arrange them spaced out on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
Make Creamy Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the additional garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and allow it to gently simmer for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a smooth cream base.
Add Veggies: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach, cooking just long enough for the spinach to wilt but remain vibrant green.
Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Carefully add the baked meatballs into the skillet with the creamy sauce, gently tossing or spooning to coat. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
Serve: Optionally garnish with extra chopped parsley. Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken meatballs hot alongside your favorite side, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free Italian breadcrumbs.
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream.
Use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute for a vegan adaptation, though the recipe is primarily not vegan due to cheese and cream.
Fresh garlic provides better flavor than pre-minced or powdered garlic.
Leftover meatballs keep well refrigerated up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.
Serve with a side of pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Baking and Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian