Description
Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, these Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce bring indulgence to your dinner table. Juicy ricotta-infused meatballs melt in your mouth, while the garlicky spinach Alfredo sauce adds a luxurious finish. Whether for a cozy night in or an elegant dinner, this dish delivers gourmet flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Serving:
- Cooked pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or zucchini noodles)
- Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently combine—do not overmix.
2. Shape & Bake
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce thicken slightly (about 3 minutes).
4. Add Spinach & Meatballs
Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt in the sauce. Add the baked meatballs to the skillet and coat them in the Alfredo sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve & Garnish
Serve over cooked pasta or zucchini noodles. Garnish with extra Parmesan and enjoy!
Notes
- For Extra Flavor: Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before adding them to the sauce to absorb more flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling.
- Freezing Meatballs: Bake and freeze meatballs separately, then reheat in the sauce when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking & Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian