Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender, juicy chicken meatballs with a creamy, flavorful spinach Alfredo sauce. This recipe takes traditional meatballs to the next level by using ricotta cheese to add moisture and flavor to the meatballs, while the spinach Alfredo sauce adds a touch of decadence. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying family meal or a dish that’s sure to impress guests, this recipe has everything you need to create a delicious, hearty meal.

The best part about this dish is how simple it is to prepare, yet it feels indulgent and special. The meatballs are flavorful and perfectly tender, thanks to the ricotta, and they are complemented by the creamy, spinach-filled Alfredo sauce. This combination makes for a comforting, filling meal that is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations.

This recipe is also quite versatile. It can be served over pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative. The spinach Alfredo sauce provides a creamy, savory base that pairs wonderfully with the meatballs, making it a dish that everyone will love. So, if you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor, Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

• Tender and Flavorful Meatballs: The addition of ricotta cheese to the chicken meatballs gives them an incredibly moist and tender texture. The meatballs are seasoned perfectly, with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese adding depth and flavor.
• Rich and Creamy Alfredo Sauce: The homemade spinach Alfredo sauce is made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach, resulting in a velvety sauce that is both rich and savory. The spinach adds a fresh, earthy element that balances the richness of the sauce.
• Quick and Easy to Make: While this dish looks fancy, it’s easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a homemade meal on the table in under an hour.
• Comforting and Filling: This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for cozy dinners. The meatballs and creamy sauce together make a comforting combination that will leave everyone feeling full and happy.
• Customizable: The meatballs and sauce can be adapted to suit your tastes. You can use ground turkey instead of chicken, add extra vegetables to the sauce, or even swap in different types of cheese for unique flavor twists.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-500 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Fat: 28-32g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or more if desired)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing spinach)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. The mixture should be slightly sticky but easy to form into balls.

Next, using your hands, scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the meatball mixture and roll it into a ball. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Repeat with the remaining mixture until all the meatballs are formed.

Once the meatballs are ready, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them. This will help them crisp up and brown nicely in the oven.

2. Bake the Meatballs

Place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C).

While the meatballs are baking, you can start preparing the spinach Alfredo sauce.

3. Prepare the Spinach Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Add the olive oil to the skillet and then add the chopped spinach. Sauté the spinach for about 3-4 minutes, until it wilts down and reduces in volume. Season the spinach with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Once the spinach is wilted, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the cream to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. This will create a rich, creamy base for the Alfredo sauce.

Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir it in until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

4. Combine the Meatballs and Sauce

Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and add them to the skillet with the spinach Alfredo sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the creamy sauce, ensuring each one is covered. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the sauce and stay warm.

5. Serve the Dish

Once everything is combined and heated through, it’s time to serve! You can serve the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce over pasta, rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for added flavor and color.

Enjoy this delicious, creamy dish with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

• Use Day-Old Bread for Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have store-bought breadcrumbs, you can easily make your own by using day-old bread. Simply toast the bread and pulse it in a food processor until you get fine crumbs. This adds a homemade touch to your meatballs.
• Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so be gentle to maintain a tender texture.
• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach works best in this dish, as it wilts down nicely and provides the perfect texture and flavor for the sauce. You can also use frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand, but be sure to drain it well to remove excess moisture.
• Add Extra Vegetables: If you want to make the dish even heartier, feel free to add extra vegetables to the sauce. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would all be great additions.
• Make It Ahead of Time: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Assemble the meatballs and sauce separately, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat everything when you’re ready to serve.

Variations of Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

• Turkey Ricotta Meatballs: For a lighter version of the dish, swap out the ground chicken for ground turkey. The turkey will still be tender when combined with ricotta, and it pairs wonderfully with the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce.
• Beef or Pork Meatballs: If you prefer beef or pork, feel free to use those meats instead of chicken. Beef meatballs with ricotta and spinach Alfredo sauce will add a heartier, richer flavor.
• Vegetarian Meatballs: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the meatballs with plant-based alternatives, such as lentil or chickpea-based meatballs. These can be found in most grocery stores or made at home with ground lentils or chickpeas.
• Spinach and Artichoke Alfredo: If you love the flavor combination of spinach and artichoke, add some chopped artichoke hearts to the spinach Alfredo sauce. This will create a more complex, tangy flavor profile that complements the creamy sauce.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The meatballs and sauce will stay fresh and flavorful.

To reheat, simply warm the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a little extra cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce separately. Store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

While Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a complete meal, you can pair it with some side dishes for added variety and flavor:

• Garlic Bread: Serve this dish with a side of crispy, buttery garlic bread to soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and a tangy dressing is the perfect side dish to complement the richness of the meatballs and sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots, provide a healthy, colorful contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
• Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb alternative to pasta, serve the meatballs and sauce over spiralized zucchini noodles. The fresh, mild flavor of zucchini complements the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.
• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a touch of freshness and a mild, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce.

Print

Conclusion

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender, moist chicken meatballs with a creamy, rich spinach Alfredo sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a satisfying weeknight meal. With its simple yet decadent flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

The combination of the moist, cheesy meatballs and the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce creates a comforting, filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty and delicious. Enjoy it with a side of garlic bread or a light salad, and you’ll have a meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying.