Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken ricotta meatballs with a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce for a comforting and elegant meal. Perfect for dinner parties or a cozy family meal, these meatballs bring a light and fluffy texture that’s beautifully complemented by the rich, cheesy sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The ricotta makes the meatballs extra tender and moist.
• Spinach Alfredo sauce adds a luxurious and flavorful twist.
• Easy to make with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Perfect for pairing with pasta, rice, or even zoodles for a low-carb option.
• Can be prepped in advance for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

• Ground chicken
• Ricotta cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
   • Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes or until fully cooked.
2. Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
   • Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
   • Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combine and Serve:
   • Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
   • Serve over your favorite pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Substitute ground turkey or pork for chicken if desired.
• Use low-fat ricotta and milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter dish.
• Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor.
• Swap fresh spinach for kale or arugula for a different green.
• Serve with gluten-free pasta or spaghetti squash for a gluten-free option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the chicken ricotta meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs after baking. Cool them completely, then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

2. Can I make the Alfredo sauce in advance?

The sauce is best served fresh, but you can make it up to a day ahead. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

3. What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or mascarpone as an alternative.

4. How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

5. Can I add herbs to the sauce?

Absolutely! Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme would work beautifully in the Alfredo sauce.

6. Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw and squeeze out the excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.

7. What can I serve with this dish?

Pair it with garlic bread, a side salad, or steamed vegetables.

8. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese and cream substitutes for a dairy-free version.

9. What’s the best way to shape the meatballs?

Use a cookie scoop or wet your hands with water to prevent sticking while rolling the meatballs.

10. How can I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes or whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Conclusion

Chicken ricotta meatballs with spinach Alfredo sauce is a dish that brings a restaurant-quality experience to your kitchen. Its creamy, flavorful sauce and tender meatballs make it a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.

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