Description

Elevate your dinner routine with our flavorful Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce recipe. Combining tender ground chicken with creamy ricotta, these meatballs are baked to perfection and served in a luscious Alfredo sauce infused with spinach. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family meal or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe promises to deliver a delightful combination of savory flavors and creamy textures that will leave everyone asking for more.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
1/2 cup milk
1 medium onion, very finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
1.5 pounds (700 grams) ground chicken or turkey
6 ounces whole milk ricotta (approximately 3/4 cup)
1 large egg
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

6 bacon strips
4 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cooking cream (35% fat)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
5 ounces (150 grams) baby spinach
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 450°F (235°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Breadcrumbs Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with milk and set aside to soak for 2 minutes.
Prepare Vegetable Mix: Add the onion, garlic, parsley, and sun-dried tomatoes to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
Make Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the vegetable mixture with ground chicken, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix just until combined.
Form Meatballs: Shape into 18-20 (2.5-inch) meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Spray with cooking oil.
Bake Meatballs: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are crisp on the outside and cooked through.
Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet, fry bacon until crispy. Remove bacon, then melt butter in the same pan. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly. Pour in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add baby spinach and cook until wilted.
Combine Meatballs with Sauce: Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer for 2 more minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Serve: Serve the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs and Spinach Alfredo Sauce over pasta of your choice. Sprinkle with chopped bacon and fresh parsley for garnish.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 206 per serving
Servings: 6

Notes

Garnish and Presentation: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or additional grated Parmesan cheese over the dish just before serving. This enhances the visual appeal and adds a burst of fresh flavor.
Accompaniments: Serve the meatballs and sauce over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne, to soak up the creamy sauce. Garlic bread or a side salad makes excellent accompaniments for a complete meal.
Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce if needed.
Freezing: These meatballs freeze well. Place cooled meatballs and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring they are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal Prep: Consider doubling the recipe to batch cook for future meals. Prepare the meatballs and sauce separately if freezing, then combine and heat when ready to serve for a convenient weeknight dinner.
Variation in Serving: For a lighter option, serve the meatballs and sauce over zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors with fewer carbs.
Reheating Tips: When reheating, add a bit of extra cream or broth to the sauce as it may thicken in the refrigerator. Heat gently to avoid overcooking the meatballs and spinach.
Gathering Feedback: Encourage feedback from family and friends to tailor the dish to everyone’s preferences. Adjust seasoning or ingredients accordingly for future preparations.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce remain delicious and enjoyable, whether you’re serving them fresh or reheating for another meal. Enjoy the creamy, savory flavors with these easy-to-follow suggestions!