Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a creamy, flavor-packed twist on a beloved dish that blends comfort food with a hint of romance. These tender meatballs are cooked until golden and then simmered in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it came from a fancy kitchen, but it’s made in just one pan and under an hour. Whether you’re looking to impress a dinner guest or simply treat yourself to something indulgent, this recipe is your answer.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that delivers big flavor. It’s creamy, hearty, and easy to make, with a satisfying texture and taste that keeps you going back for more.
Creamy and comforting sauce that clings perfectly to juicy meatballs
One-skillet prep for easy cleanup
Delicious with bread, pasta, or mashed potatoes
Ready in 45 minutes, perfect for a weeknight or weekend dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup, packed in oil)
Adds depth and a slightly tangy sweetness. Save 3 tablespoons of the oil for cooking—it’s packed with flavor.
Ground chicken (1 1/2 pounds)
A lean protein that absorbs flavor well. Choose a version with a bit of fat for best texture.
Basil pesto (2 tablespoons)
Infuses the meatballs with herby, rich notes and helps bind everything together.
Italian seasoning (2 tablespoons)
A familiar herb blend that gives warmth and balance to both the meatballs and sauce.
Red pepper flakes
For just a touch of heat to cut through the richness.
Salt and black pepper
Basic but essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
Grated parmesan (1 cup)
Used in both the meatballs and sauce. It adds saltiness, body, and savory depth.
Prosciutto (3 ounces, torn)
Pan-fried for crispness, this becomes the perfect salty topping.
Salted butter (2 tablespoons)
Builds flavor in the pan and helps sauté the shallots and garlic.
Shallot (1, chopped)
Milder than onions and great for creating a flavorful base.
Garlic (2 cloves, chopped)
A classic addition for aroma and flavor.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon)
Deepens the tomato base and thickens the sauce slightly.
Dry white wine (1 cup)
Adds acidity and depth to the sauce. Chicken broth works as a substitute if needed.
Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (1 cup)
Creates the creamy texture. Coconut milk is great if you’re dairy-free.
Fresh basil (for serving)
Adds color and freshness to the final dish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
These chicken meatballs are quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying. You’ll start by forming the meatballs, searing them in a skillet, then making a rich tomato-cream sauce in the same pan. Once everything simmers together, the flavors meld into a silky, satisfying dish that tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep your oil and tomatoes
Scoop 3 tablespoons of oil from your jar of sun-dried tomatoes into a large pan. Set aside. Chop the tomatoes finely and keep them ready.
2. Make the meatball mix
In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, pesto, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of parmesan. Gently mix everything until just combined, then shape into small balls—about 15 or 16 total.
3. Crisp the prosciutto
Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in your skillet and add the prosciutto pieces. Cook until crispy, around 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
4. Brown the meatballs
In the same pan, add the meatballs and sear them for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re nicely browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
5. Cook aromatics
Add butter to the pan, then stir in the shallots and garlic. Cook for a few minutes until soft and fragrant. Sprinkle in the remaining tablespoon of Italian seasoning and a bit more red pepper flakes if you want extra heat. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
6. Deglaze with wine
Pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
7. Add cream and tomatoes
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in your cream or coconut milk along with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let everything simmer gently for 10 minutes so the sauce can thicken.
8. Return the meatballs
Place the meatballs back into the pan and allow them to simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes to fully cook through.
9. Finish and serve
Sprinkle the rest of the parmesan on top. Let it melt into the sauce. Finish with the crispy prosciutto and chopped fresh basil. Serve warm.
Helpful Tips
Avoid overmixing your meatball mixture to keep them tender
Use the sun-dried tomato oil to maximize flavor in the pan
If your sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water
Serve with carbs that soak up sauce like pasta, bread, or mashed potatoes
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end to suit your preference
Details
Flavor: Creamy, savory, herby with a touch of heat
Texture: Juicy meatballs in a silky, rich sauce
Occasion: Romantic dinner, family meal, or special weekend dish
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Notes
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Want it spicy? Add more red pepper. Prefer turkey or beef? Swap out the chicken. Going dairy-free? Coconut milk and vegan parmesan work beautifully. It’s versatile and forgiving, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 496 kcal |
| Fat | 35 g |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these chicken meatballs “Marry Me” style?
It’s the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that transforms these meatballs. The flavor combination is so irresistible it’s been nicknamed “Marry Me” because of how many people fall in love with it at first bite.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes. You can bake them at 400°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Frying adds more flavor and a better crust, but baking is a great option for hands-off cooking.
What sauce pairs best with Marry Me chicken meatballs?
A creamy, garlic-infused sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan is ideal. It’s what gives the dish its signature richness and flavor.
Are these meatballs suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. They reheat well and keep for a few days in the fridge. Store them with the sauce in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Storage Instructions
Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely before storing
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container
Reheat slowly on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs | Creamy and Irresistible Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A rich, creamy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken meatballs in a luxurious sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy to adapt for meal prep.
Ingredients
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
2 tablespoons basil pesto
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
Chili flakes to taste
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 ounces prosciutto, torn
2 tablespoons salted butter
1 shallot, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Add 3 tablespoons of oil from sun-dried tomatoes to a skillet. Chop the tomatoes and set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, pesto, 1 tablespoon seasoning, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup parmesan. Roll into meatballs.
3. Heat oil in skillet. Add prosciutto and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside.
4. Add meatballs to skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Remove.
5. Add butter, shallots, and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes. Stir in remaining seasoning and tomato paste.
6. Deglaze with wine or broth. Simmer 3–5 minutes.
7. Add cream and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer 10 minutes.
8. Return meatballs to sauce. Cook 5 more minutes. Top with remaining parmesan, prosciutto, and fresh basil.
Notes
Swap coconut milk for cream for a dairy-free version.
Use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken.
Adjust chili flakes to control spice level.
Pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 496
- Sugar: 4
- Fat: 35
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 28
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a simple, one-skillet recipe that turns basic ingredients into something memorable. The creaminess of the sauce, paired with the golden meatballs and bursts of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and prosciutto, make this dish stand out. It’s a great choice when you want something comforting, impressive, and easy to make. Whether you serve it to someone special or just treat yourself, you’ll find this recipe becomes one of your go-to favorites.