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