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Pumpkin Chicken Meatballs in Sage Cream Sauce

Savory Pumpkin Chicken Meatballs in Creamy Sage Sauce

This Pumpkin Chicken Meatballs in Sage Cream Sauce recipe is an easy weeknight dinner that transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming feast.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Chicken or ground turkey for a leaner option
  • 1 cup Canned Pumpkin Purée do not skip for consistency
  • 1 cup Plain Breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 1 large Egg or flax egg for vegan option
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced, fresh garlic preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder or fresh onions, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper adjust to taste
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or canola/avocado oil
For the Cream Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter or dairy-free butter
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Sage or reduce amount if using dried
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or non-dairy cream alternative
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg optional, can be omitted

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • baking sheet
  • spatula
  • Cookie scoop

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, canned pumpkin purée, plain breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Use damp hands to scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls, making about 16 meatballs total. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  4. Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and fresh sage, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the Cream and Seasoning: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and season with additional salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
  6. Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce: Transfer the meatballs into the sauce and let simmer for 5–7 minutes until fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Plate the meatballs with extra sauce, garnish with chopped sage, and serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Don't overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender. Ensure to cook the meatballs in batches to maintain even cooking.

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