Description
Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a culinary delight that brings together the tender juiciness of chicken meatballs with the creamy richness of a spinach Alfredo sauce. This recipe combines the mild, creamy texture of ricotta cheese integrated into the meatballs, with the robust, garlicky flavor of a classic Alfredo sauce enhanced by fresh, nutritious spinach.
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
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Make Meatballs:
In a bowl, mix ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Form into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake Meatballs:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden.
Prepare Sauce:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, bring to a simmer, and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Finish Sauce:
Add chopped spinach to the sauce, season with salt and pepper, and cook until spinach is wilted.
Serve:
Serve meatballs over cooked pasta, topped with spinach Alfredo sauce.
Notes
- Ingredient Quality: For the best flavor, use high-quality, fresh ingredients. The type of chicken, ricotta, and Parmesan you choose can significantly influence the taste and texture of the dish.
- Consistency Adjustments: Depending on your preference for sauce thickness, you can adjust the amount of cream. Add more for a thinner sauce, or let it reduce longer for a thicker consistency.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of al dente pasta, steamed vegetables, or even a simple salad. For a low-carb option, consider serving over spiralized vegetables or cauliflower rice.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Both the meatballs and sauce can be made ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator, and reheated, making this a fantastic option for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove for best results, adding a little extra cream to the sauce if needed.
- Dietary Modifications: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a substitute like ground oats. Dairy-free versions can be achieved by substituting cheese and cream with suitable vegan alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 650 kcal