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.