Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

This Southern-style baked chicken ricotta meatballs with spinach Alfredo sauce combines the comfort of home-cooked meals with the luxury of a creamy, flavorful sauce. Tender meatballs made from ground chicken and ricotta cheese are baked to perfection and served with a rich spinach Alfredo sauce, creating a dish that is both hearty and indulgent. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, it’s sure to please everyone around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe for its perfect blend of flavors and textures. The meatballs, made with a combination of ground chicken, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan, are tender and flavorful, while the spinach Alfredo sauce is creamy and rich, with just the right touch of nutmeg. The dish offers both comfort and sophistication, making it ideal for any occasion. It pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, buttered rice, or a fresh arugula salad. It’s a nostalgic recipe that brings memories of family gatherings and home-cooked meals.

Ingredients

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

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 3 tbsp olive oil

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well until evenly distributed.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add the heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan, milk, nutmeg, and salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the skillet with the sauce and gently toss to coat them evenly.
8. Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, and garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Total time: 40-50 minutes

Variations

• For a twist, try using ground turkey or a mix of ground chicken and pork for the meatballs.
• Add finely chopped onions or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for an extra flavor boost.
• For a lower-carb option, serve the meatballs and sauce over sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce for a spicier version.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, warm the meatballs and sauce on the stove over low heat until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese with cream cheese or cottage cheese for a different flavor and texture.

2. Can I use frozen spinach for the Alfredo sauce?

Yes, frozen spinach can be used as a substitute. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before cooking.

3. What can I serve this dish with?

This dish pairs well with garlic mashed potatoes, buttered rice, or a simple salad. Pasta is also a great option.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and assemble the dish when ready to serve.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe contains breadcrumbs, which are not gluten-free. However, you can easily substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.

6. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, both the meatballs and sauce can be frozen. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

7. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.

8. Can I use pre-made Alfredo sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce if you’re short on time. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste.

9. How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The meatballs should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, use dairy-free alternatives for the ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream.

Conclusion

This Southern-style baked chicken ricotta meatballs with spinach Alfredo sauce is the perfect combination of comfort and elegance. With tender meatballs and a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce, it’s a meal that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, this dish will leave everyone satisfied and asking for seconds. It’s a timeless recipe with a modern twist, perfect for any occasion.

Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-50 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking, Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern, Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in these Southern-style baked chicken ricotta meatballs with spinach Alfredo sauce, combining tender, flavorful meatballs with a creamy, rich spinach Alfredo sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish brings together the comfort of home-cooked meals with a luxurious twist. Whether served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 3 tbsp olive oil

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until evenly combined.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. While the meatballs bake, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Once meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the skillet and toss gently in the sauce.
8. Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, and garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.

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Notes

• For a twist, try using ground turkey or a mix of ground chicken and pork for the meatballs.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce.
• For a lower-carb option, serve the meatballs and sauce over sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.