Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi
A hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken meatballs in a creamy, sun-dried tomato and spinach Tuscan sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal served with gnocchi.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Chicken
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 Egg
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for searing)
For the Tuscan Sauce:
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- ½ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil or Butter
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs:Start by imagining the smell of the savory blend of ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese filling your kitchen. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands, feeling the mixture come together into a perfect dough-like texture. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter – think of how satisfying it feels to create each little bite-sized masterpiece.Sear the Meatballs:Now, it’s time to get that beautiful golden color. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Gently place the meatballs into the hot pan, listening to that satisfying sizzle as they brown. Turn them carefully so all sides are seared to perfection – about 5 minutes in total. Once golden, remove them from the skillet and set them aside, letting them rest for a moment as you prepare for the magic of the sauce.Prepare the Tuscan Sauce:In the same skillet, let the remaining flavors from the meatballs infuse the olive oil (or butter, if you prefer a richer base). Toss in the garlic and sauté it until it releases that aromatic fragrance that signals you’re about to create something delicious. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer, and then slowly stir in the heavy cream, watching the sauce transform into a creamy masterpiece. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach – as the spinach wilts and the tomatoes rehydrate, you’ll notice how the sauce thickens into something that feels just right for the meatballs.Combine Meatballs and Sauce:Here comes the heart of the dish. Gently add your seared meatballs into the sauce, each one nestling into the creamy goodness. Cover the pan and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 30–40 minutes. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, with the meatballs absorbing the richness of the sauce. You’ll be tempted to sneak a taste, but hold off – it’ll be worth the wait!Finish the Dish:As you near the finish line, stir in the Parmesan cheese. It melts smoothly into the sauce, adding the final touch of creaminess. The sauce thickens just enough, enveloping the meatballs in a velvety blanket of flavor. Serve with gnocchi or your favorite pasta – the choice is yours. As you take your first bite, you’ll know that the extra time and care was absolutely worth it.
Notes
-
Meatball Texture:
If the meatball mixture feels too wet or sticky, add a little extra breadcrumbs to help bind everything together. Conversely, if it’s too dry, you can add a splash of milk or an extra egg to achieve the right consistency. -
Make-Ahead Option:
You can prepare the meatballs a day ahead. Simply shape them, sear, and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook them in the sauce. This will save you time on the day you're serving the dish. -
Adjust the Creaminess:
If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add a little more heavy cream. On the other hand, if you like a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of cream and add more chicken broth. -
Flavor Variations:
Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the sauce. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil can all bring additional depth to the flavor profile. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a touch of brightness. -
Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with roasted red peppers or omit them entirely. While sun-dried tomatoes add a unique tangy sweetness, the sauce will still be delicious without them. -
Serving Tips:
For a more hearty meal, serve the dish with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. If you want to add a fresh element, a simple side salad with arugula or mixed greens dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar pairs beautifully. -
Gnocchi Tip:
If you’re using store-bought gnocchi, be sure not to overcook it. Gnocchi cooks very quickly, usually in just 2-3 minutes, so keep an eye on it! For a fun twist, you can also try homemade gnocchi for a more rustic feel. -
Leftovers:
This dish holds up well as leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.