Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

This recipe combines the tender, juicy texture of chicken ricotta meatballs with a rich and creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or a cozy night in. The blend of ricotta cheese in the meatballs adds a luscious creaminess, while the spinach Alfredo sauce balances the dish with its vibrant, velvety texture.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well blended.

Step 3:
Form the chicken mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4:
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5:
While the meatballs are baking, start making the sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.

Step 6:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 7:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting the sauce cook and thicken for about 3-5 minutes.

Step 8:
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 9:
Once the meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and add them to the skillet with the spinach Alfredo sauce. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce until they are fully coated.

Step 10:
Serve the chicken ricotta meatballs and spinach Alfredo sauce over your favorite pasta, rice, or enjoy them as a standalone dish. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Variations

• Add some spice: For a bit of heat, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture or sprinkle over the Alfredo sauce.
• Vegetable boost: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini into the Alfredo sauce for extra veggies and flavor.
• Pasta alternatives: This dish can be served over various bases such as fettuccine, spaghetti squash, or zucchini noodles for a lighter option.

Cooking Notes

• Ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• The sauce thickens quickly once Parmesan cheese is added, so keep an eye on it while cooking.
• Ricotta cheese makes the meatballs very tender, but be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with your favorite type of pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, for a more traditional meal. You can also serve it over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious sauce. A simple green salad or garlic bread on the side completes the meal beautifully.

Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. When ready to use, thaw the meatballs and bake as directed.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Reheating Tip: To avoid drying out, reheat the meatballs and sauce together over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 460
• Protein: 26g
• Sodium: 680mg

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey or even lean ground beef can be substituted for chicken in this recipe. Each will bring its own flavor to the dish.

2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Just thaw and drain the frozen spinach before adding it to the sauce to prevent excess moisture from thinning the sauce.

3. How can I make this dish lighter?
To reduce the calorie content, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use low-fat ricotta cheese in the meatballs.

4. What pasta pairs best with this dish?
Fettuccine or penne work wonderfully with the Alfredo sauce. Their thicker texture holds the sauce well, making each bite rich and flavorful.

This Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce recipe is a winning combination of tender, cheesy meatballs and a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. Whether served over pasta, rice, or even on its own, this dish is bound to impress with its rich flavors and simplicity. Enjoy it as a comforting family meal or for a special occasion dinner.

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