Dreamy Chicken Ricotta Meatballs With Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Crafting succulent chicken ricotta meatballs brings unexpected comfort to weeknight dinners.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each tender morsel, promising pure satisfaction.

Protein-packed ingredients blend seamlessly in this delightful culinary creation.

Homemade sauces elevate simple proteins into extraordinary experiences you’ll crave repeatedly.

Soft ricotta ensures incredible moisture within each carefully rolled sphere.

Spinach alfredo cascades luxuriously, creating a harmonious backdrop for these delectable morsels.

Let’s transform ordinary ingredients into something magnificently memorable that sparks joy at your table.

Why Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Stand Out

• Elevate Home Cooking: Create restaurant-quality dish with minimal professional cooking skills required.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare a delicious meal in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings.
• Nutrition Packed Delight: Combine lean protein from chicken, calcium-rich ricotta, and nutrient-dense spinach for a balanced, wholesome meal that satisfies hunger and supports wellness.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Offers kid-friendly flavors with hidden vegetables, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a nutritious and tasty dinner that brings everyone together.

Ingredients For Ricotta Chicken Meatballs

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Chicken: Fresh meat perfect for light and juicy meatballs.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that adds moisture to the meatballs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese for extra flavor.

• Egg: Helps bind the meatballs together.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides structure and helps hold the meatballs.
• Garlic: Fresh and aromatic seasoning.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild spicy kick.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs for classic Italian taste.

Sauce Ingredients:

• Butter: Provides rich base for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth and luxurious sauce texture.
• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds color and nutrition.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and richness to the Alfredo sauce.

How To Make Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Craft Delectable Meatballs

• Ground chicken
• Creamy ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan
• Fresh egg
• Crispy breadcrumbs
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Gently mix everything together and roll into adorable 1-inch meatballs.

Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with love and care.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the meatballs into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensure they’re completely cooked through.

Step 4: Whip Up Luxurious Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance and become fragrant.

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese.

Stir and let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Vibrant Spinach

Fold in fresh chopped spinach to the creamy sauce.

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Cook until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.

Step 6: Create a Mouthwatering Masterpiece

Plate your favorite pasta and crown it with the golden meatballs.

Generously drizzle the luscious spinach Alfredo sauce over the top.

Enjoy your culinary creation!

Pro Tips For Ricotta Chicken Dish

• Select fresh, lean ground chicken with a fat content around 85-90% for moist and tender meatballs that won't dry out during baking.
• Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal and prevent meatballs from sticking or breaking apart.
• Enhance meatball mixture by adding chopped fresh parsley or basil for a vibrant, aromatic taste that complements the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses.
• Simmer Alfredo sauce slowly and stir frequently to achieve a smooth, creamy texture without burning or separating the ingredients.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing chicken is fully cooked and safe to consume.

Saving And Heating Ricotta Meatballs

• Store leftover meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal freshness and flavor.
• Carefully place meatballs and sauce in freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 2 months. Ensure containers are sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm gently in the microwave or oven at 350°F, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally for even heating.
• Warm slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation and maintain creamy consistency. Add a little cream if sauce seems too thick.

Side Ideas For Ricotta Meatballs

• Savor Wine Pairings: Crisp Chardonnay cuts through the rich, creamy sauce while complementing the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Enhance Herbal Notes: Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a bright, zesty dimension that elevates the meatballs and sauce.
• Match Pasta Sides: Serve with al dente linguine or fettuccine to perfectly absorb the luxurious spinach Alfredo sauce and capture every delicious bite.
• Balance Texture Contrast: Toasted garlic bread or crispy focaccia provides a crunchy counterpoint to the soft, tender meatballs and silky sauce.

Creative Takes On Ricotta Meatballs

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour to make the meatballs celiac-friendly and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter meal for keto dieters.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute ricotta with silken tofu, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a plant-based version.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Exchange ground chicken with plant-based ground meat or crumbled firm tofu, maintaining the same seasonings and preparation method for a meat-free protein option.

FAQs

• Are these meatballs healthy?

These chicken ricotta meatballs offer a protein-rich option with lean ground chicken and nutrient-packed spinach. They’re lighter than traditional beef meatballs and include calcium from ricotta and Parmesan cheese.

• Can I use different cheese in the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or swap Parmesan with pecorino romano. Ensure the cheese has similar moisture and binding properties to maintain meatball texture.

• How do I prevent meatballs from becoming dry?

Use ricotta cheese, which adds moisture, and avoid overmixing the meat. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F and don’t overbake. The ricotta helps keep meatballs tender and juicy.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Meatballs can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to a month. The Alfredo sauce also keeps well, making this an excellent make-ahead meal option.

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs With Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken ricotta meatballs dance in a creamy spinach alfredo sauce, bringing Italian comfort to your dinner table. Hearty proteins and silky sauce combine for a luxurious meal that satisfies with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Base:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground chicken
• 1/2 cup (120 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Serving:

• Cooked pasta

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Instructions

1. Craft succulent chicken ricotta meatballs by gently combining ground chicken with creamy ricotta, aged Parmesan, aromatic garlic, and carefully selected herbs in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Delicately shape the protein mixture into uniform, bite-sized spheres approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
3. Arrange the meticulously formed meatballs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to promote optimal heat circulation.
4. Position the baking sheet in a preheated oven calibrated to 400°F, allowing the meatballs to roast until they develop a golden exterior and reach a safe internal temperature.
5. Simultaneously, initiate sauce preparation by melting rich butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over moderate heat.
6. Introduce minced garlic to the melting butter, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant essence and infuse the foundation of the creamy sauce.
7. Pour velvety heavy cream into the garlic-butter mixture, gradually incorporating freshly grated Parmesan cheese to create a luxurious, smooth consistency.
8. Gently simmer the sauce, stirring consistently to prevent scorching and encourage thickening of the créme-based mixture.
9. Incorporate fresh, verdant spinach leaves into the simmering sauce, allowing them to wilt and release their vibrant green color and subtle earthy flavor.
10. Season the spinach Alfredo sauce with delicate pinches of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance its nuanced taste profile.
11. Transfer the golden-brown meatballs onto a bed of perfectly cooked pasta, cascading the verdant spinach Alfredo sauce generously over the protein.

Notes

• Choose lean ground chicken for a healthier protein option that keeps meatballs tender and moist.
• Mix ingredients gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make meatballs tough and dense.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought for better texture and moisture retention in meatballs.
• For gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg