Elevate your weeknight dinner with Chicken Ricotta Meatballs paired with a creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce. This dish combines tender, flavorful meatballs with a rich, velvety sauce, creating a meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
Additional:
• Cooked pasta, for serving
Directions
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake: Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly golden.
5. Make the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
6. Prepare Alfredo Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the sauce has slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
7. Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook until the spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve: Serve the baked meatballs over cooked pasta, generously topped with the spinach Alfredo sauce.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Calories per Serving
650 kcal
Tips
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and fresh spinach make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Mix Gently: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is combined to avoid tough meatballs.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled for meal prep or larger gatherings. The meatballs freeze well for future meals.
Benefits
• High Protein: Ground chicken and ricotta provide a good source of protein.
• Nutritious Spinach: Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, adding nutritional value to the creamy sauce.
• Comfort Food: This dish offers the comfort of classic Italian flavors with a gourmet twist.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground chicken with similar delicious results.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Is there a low-fat alternative for the Alfredo sauce?
You can use half-and-half or milk with a bit of cornstarch as a thickener instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Conclusion
Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors with nutritious ingredients. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of the Alfredo sauce paired with tender, flavorful meatballs, and elevate your dining experience with this gourmet recipe. Bon appétit!
