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Chicken Ricotta Meatballs In Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Savory Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a quick, comforting dish that elevates any evening meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option
  • 1/2 cup Milk hydrates breadcrumbs
  • 1 medium Onion can use shallots for a milder taste
  • 2 cloves Garlic fresh garlic preferred
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley for flavor
  • 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes or use roasted red peppers
  • 1 lb Ground chicken or turkey can substitute ground beef
  • 1 cup Whole milk ricotta or pureed cottage cheese
  • 1 Egg for binding
  • 1/2 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for flavor
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning for flavor
  • 1 tsp Salt for balanced flavor
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce
  • 4 strips Bacon strips omit for a healthier spin
  • 1 tbsp Butter for richness
  • 1 cup Heavy cream or use half-and-half
  • 4 cups Baby spinach or substitute with kale
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Food Processor
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

Main Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (235°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Soak the Italian breadcrumbs in milk for 2 minutes.
  3. Pulse chopped onion, garlic, parsley, and sun-dried tomatoes in a food processor until finely chopped.
  4. Combine the vegetable mixture with ground chicken, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, ricotta, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  5. Shape the mixture into 18-20 meatballs, about 2.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Fry bacon strips in a skillet until crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels.
  8. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
  9. Pour in the heavy cream, stir to combine, and season with salt and pepper.
  10. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese and cook until melted; add baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  11. Add the baked meatballs to the skillet and simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing flavors to combine.
  12. Serve over pasta, polenta, or on their own, garnished with crumbled bacon and fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 2meatballsCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 28gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Keep it tender by avoiding overmixing the meatball mixture. Monitor baking time to ensure meatballs are cooked properly. Adapt the sauce if too thick with milk or chicken broth. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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