Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Introduction

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together tender, juicy chicken meatballs with a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. The ricotta in the meatballs ensures they stay moist and soft, while the Parmesan adds a rich, cheesy flavor. Paired with a luxurious Alfredo sauce made with spinach, this dish is perfect when served with pasta or even on its own for a low-carb option.

This meal is simple yet elegant, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

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

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb ground chicken, 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to shape into meatballs.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

1. Using your hands, shape the chicken mixture into small meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter). You should get approximately 16-20 meatballs.
2. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

1. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and slightly golden on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce

1. While the meatballs are baking, start the Alfredo sauce. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
2. Add the 1 minced garlic clove and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach and cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

1. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
2. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce, making sure they are well coated.
3. Serve the meatballs with the sauce over your favorite pasta, or enjoy them on their own for a lighter option.

Cooking Notes:

• Ground Chicken: You can substitute ground turkey for the chicken if you prefer.
• Ricotta Substitute: If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you can substitute it with cottage cheese for a similar texture.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach works best for this recipe, but you can also use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Pasta: Serve these meatballs over fettuccine, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta for a hearty meal.
• With Bread: Pair with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce.
• As a Low-Carb Option: For a lighter meal, serve these meatballs with a side of roasted vegetables or over zoodles (zucchini noodles).

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them uncooked. When ready to bake, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and cook as directed.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 25 minutes

Total Time:

• 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 750mg

Conclusion

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a comforting, delicious dish that is easy to prepare yet elegant enough for special occasions. The chicken meatballs are tender and flavorful, while the rich Alfredo sauce with spinach adds a creamy, savory touch. Serve this dish over pasta or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!