Description
Delicious baked chicken ricotta meatballs served in a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce, a flavorful twist on a classic dish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg
For Serving
- Cooked pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, garlic, breadcrumbs, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form into 16–18 small meatballs.
- Bake the Meatballs
Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- Prepare the Spinach Alfredo Sauce
In a skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach, stirring until creamy and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg.
- Combine and Serve
Add baked meatballs to the skillet with spinach Alfredo sauce, gently coating them. Serve over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
