Easy Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Nothing beats a comforting chicken ricotta meatball that melts in your mouth with incredible softness.

Tender meat blends perfectly with creamy cheese and fresh herbs.

Each bite promises rich, satisfying flavors that dance across your palate.

Homemade Alfredo sauce adds a luxurious touch to these delectable spheres of goodness.

spinach brings a vibrant green element that makes the dish both nutritious and visually appealing.

Crafting these meatballs requires minimal effort but delivers maximum deliciousness.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and create a meal that will become an instant favorite at your dinner table.

Keeping Chicken Ricotta Meatballs and Sauce Ready

• Store meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place cooled meatballs and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags. Keep frozen for up to 2-3 months. Separate sauce and meatballs to maintain texture.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Spread meatballs on baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 160C (325F) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until meatballs reach 74C (165F) internal temperature.

Pairing Picks for Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Alfredo

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selections: Crisp Pinot Grigio complements the creamy Alfredo sauce with its light, refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness while enhancing the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Ideal Bread Companion: Garlic-toasted ciabatta slices provide a crunchy texture contrast to the soft meatballs, absorbing the luxurious spinach Alfredo sauce while adding a complementary garlic undertone.
• Recommended Side Salad: Fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a peppery, bright counterpoint to the rich meatball dish, cleansing the palate with its zesty and crisp profile.
• Perfect Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the dish to introduce a subtle herbal brightness that elevates the overall flavor complexity of the chicken ricotta meatballs and creamy sauce.

Fresh Spins on Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Alfredo

• Gluten-Free Meatball Marvel: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture.
• Low-Carb Chicken Cloud: Swap breadcrumbs with ground pork rinds and serve over cauliflower rice to create a keto-friendly meal that cuts down on carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute ricotta with mashed silken tofu and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to create a dairy-free alternative that's equally creamy and satisfying.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with plant-based ground meat or a mixture of mushrooms and lentils, using nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor profile.

FAQs

• Are these meatballs healthy?

These chicken ricotta meatballs offer a protein-rich meal with lean ground chicken and nutritious spinach. They’re lower in fat compared to traditional beef meatballs and provide essential nutrients from the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses.

• Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. This substitution maintains the meatballs’ texture while making them suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

• How can I prevent the meatballs from becoming dry?

Use a combination of ricotta cheese and ground chicken, which helps keep the meatballs moist. Avoid overmixing the meat and don’t overcook them. Baking at the right temperature ensures juicy, tender meatballs.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild Italian seasonings and creamy sauce make these meatballs appealing to children. The soft texture and cheesy flavor are typically popular with kids who might be picky eaters.

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Magic

• Create restaurant-quality meatballs with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks wanting delicious meals without complex techniques.
• Packed with protein from chicken and ricotta, plus iron-rich spinach, making this dish a wholesome and balanced meal that supports overall health and wellness.
• Adaptable to multiple serving styles – enjoy over pasta, with rice, or as a standalone dish, providing flexibility for different preferences and dietary needs.
• A crowd-friendly recipe that combines kid-approved meatballs with creamy sauce, ensuring everyone at the table will love this comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients Behind Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Alfredo

• Ground Chicken: A lean protein that provides a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatballs.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds moisture and creamy texture to the meatballs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a rich, salty flavor to enhance the meatball mixture.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps to hold the meatballs together and create a tender texture.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to keep the meatballs compact.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic seasoning to the meatballs.

• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth cooking foundation for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Gives the Alfredo sauce its rich and creamy consistency.

• Parmesan Cheese, Spinach, Salt, Pepper: Adds flavor, nutrition, and creates the signature spinach Alfredo sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh finishing touch to the dish.

Making Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Alfredo Creamy

Step 1: Mixing Meatball Magic

Crank up your oven to 190C (375F).

• Ground chicken
• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend everything together until the ingredients are perfectly harmonized.

Step 2: Shaping Tasty Spheres

Roll the mixture into adorable little meatballs, each about the size of a golf ball.

Nestle them onto a lightly greased baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching.

Step 3: Baking to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Let the meatballs cook for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked completely through.

The internal temperature should hit 74C (165F) for safe eating.

Step 4: Launching the Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for about a minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle, bubbling simmer.

Step 5: Cheesy Spinach Transformation

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a silky smooth sauce.

Add chopped spinach and cook until it wilts beautifully into the creamy mixture.

Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.

Step 6: Uniting Meatballs and Sauce

Carefully transfer the golden-baked meatballs into the skillet.

Gently coat each meatball with the luscious spinach Alfredo sauce, ensuring they’re completely embraced by the creamy goodness.

Step 7: Serving in Style

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese.

Serve piping hot over your favorite pasta, fluffy rice, or enjoy them as a standalone dish that’ll make taste buds dance.

Go-To Tips for Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Alfredo

• Add ricotta cheese to ground chicken for extra tenderness and juiciness, preventing dry and tough meatballs.
• Mix ingredients thoroughly but gently to ensure meatballs hold together without becoming dense or compact.
• Toast Italian seasoning briefly in a dry pan before adding to the meatball mixture to release more intense aromatic compounds.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter spinach Alfredo sauce without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken meatballs reach 74C (165F) internal temperature, ensuring food safety without overcooking.

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken ricotta meatballs dance through a creamy spinach alfredo sauce, promising an Italian-inspired comfort meal. Elegant yet simple, this dish delivers rich flavors that invite you to savor each delightful, cheesy bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Dairy:

• 500 grams (1.1 pounds) ground chicken
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 190C (375F) and prepare a greased baking sheet for the meatballs.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Carefully form the meat mixture into uniform 1-inch diameter meatballs, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
4. Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow proper heat circulation.
5. Roast the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, verifying doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 74C (165F).
6. While meatballs bake, create the sauce by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature.
7. Sauté minced garlic for approximately 1 minute until aromatic, releasing its intense flavor.
8. Gradually pour heavy cream into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle, controlled simmer.
9. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and fully integrated.
10. Add chopped spinach to the cream sauce, cooking until the leaves wilt and blend seamlessly.
11. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
12. Transfer the perfectly baked meatballs directly into the prepared spinach Alfredo sauce.
13. Gently coat the meatballs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered with the creamy mixture.
14. Plate the dish, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
15. Serve immediately alongside pasta, rice, or as a standalone dish, enjoying the rich, complex flavors.

Notes

• Maximize moisture by using full-fat ricotta cheese, which helps keep chicken meatballs tender and prevents dryness during baking.
• Chill the meatball mixture for 15-30 minutes before shaping to help them hold together better and reduce spreading while cooking.
• For gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to maintain binding and texture.
• Reduce calorie content by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, maintaining creamy consistency while cutting fat percentage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 150mg