Tender, juicy chicken meatballs are nestled in a luxurious garlic Parmesan cream sauce, enriched with fresh spinach and fragrant herbs. This comforting, savory dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or as an impressive entrée when entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs combine hearty comfort with elegant flavors. The meatballs are moist and flavorful, while the sauce is rich, creamy, and bursting with savory garlic and Parmesan notes. Quick to prepare and versatile in presentation, this dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. It is a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet easy enough for any day of the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until just combined.
2. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
7. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Return the meatballs to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
10. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well coated.
11. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Substitute ground turkey or pork for the chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat.
• Use kale instead of spinach for a heartier green addition.
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra richness.
• Serve the meatballs over pasta, polenta, or rice for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes or until cooked through.

How do I keep the meatballs moist?

Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture, which can make them tough, and do not overcook them.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

It is best to prepare the sauce fresh for optimal texture, but you can make it a few hours in advance and reheat gently.

What is the best substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs without the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are good substitutes for Parmesan.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Simmer the sauce gently and avoid boiling it vigorously after adding the cream.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, diced zucchini, mushrooms, or peas would make excellent additions.

Is it necessary to chop the spinach?

Chopping the spinach ensures it incorporates smoothly into the sauce without creating large clumps.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cream substitute and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to adapt this recipe.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs are a comforting, flavorful dish that is simple to prepare yet elegant enough for entertaining. The rich, velvety sauce pairs beautifully with the tender, herbed meatballs, creating a dish that feels indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for cozy nights at home or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite on your table.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs

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• Author: Emma Delaney
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner, Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop, Sauté
• Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Enjoy tender, juicy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs — perfectly seasoned and smothered in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with fresh spinach and herbs, making this dish an irresistible choice for cozy dinners or special entertaining! Keyword: creamy garlic parmesan chicken meatballs

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Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 pound ground chicken

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

• In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until just combined.

• Shape into golf ball-sized meatballs.

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes.

• Remove the meatballs and set aside.

• In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.

• Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Stir in the Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

• Return the meatballs to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.

• Simmer for 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and coated in the creamy sauce.

• Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

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Notes

• For even richer flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cream.

• Use turkey or beef if preferred in place of chicken.

• These meatballs pair wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.