Quick & Tasty Chicken Spinach Ricotta Meatballs in Creamy Alfredo Recipe

Chicken spinach ricotta meatballs blend protein-packed ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that elevates ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Delicate herbs and smooth cheese create unexpected flavor complexities within each tender morsel.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques elevate this dish beyond standard meatball preparations, offering a sophisticated twist on comfort food.

Rich, velvety alfredo sauce complements the hearty meatballs with luxurious smoothness and depth.

Perfectly balanced ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of textures that captivate taste buds from the first bite.

Home cooks can easily master this elegant recipe, turning simple components into a restaurant-quality meal in minutes.

Prepare to impress family and friends with this irresistible combination of savory proteins and creamy sauce.

Ricotta Meatball Ingredient Mix

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that provides a light and healthy base for the meatballs.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds moisture and creamy texture to keep the meatballs tender.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers rich, savory flavor and helps bind the meatballs.

• Egg: Helps hold the meatball mixture together and adds richness.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides structure and helps absorb moisture in the meatballs.
• Minced Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor to both meatballs and sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a classic herb blend to boost the meatball's flavor profile.

• Butter: Creates a rich base for the creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, smooth texture to the sauce.
• Chopped Spinach: Adds nutritional value and fresh green color to the sauce.

Roll and Cook Ricotta Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Meatball Mixture

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

Mix ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Step 3: Shape and Bake Meatballs

Roll the mixture into 1-inch round meatballs. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Alfredo Sauce

• Melt butter
• Add minced garlic and sauté briefly
• Pour in heavy cream
• Stir in grated Parmesan cheese
• Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens

Step 5: Incorporate Spinach

Add chopped spinach to the sauce. Cook until spinach wilts and sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Place cooked meatballs over pasta. Generously pour Alfredo sauce on top. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

What Makes Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Special

• Boost Nutrition Effortlessly: Packed with protein from chicken and ricotta, plus iron-rich spinach, these meatballs deliver a powerful nutritional punch in every delightful bite.
• Simplify Gourmet Cooking: Professional-level dish that looks complex but requires minimal kitchen skills, allowing home cooks to create restaurant-quality meals with straightforward steps and basic ingredients.
• Transform Comfort Food: Elevates classic meatballs by introducing elegant Alfredo sauce and Italian seasonings, turning a familiar favorite into a sophisticated, creamy dinner that feels indulgent yet homemade.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Ready in under 45 minutes from start to finish, this recipe solves the weeknight dinner dilemma with minimal prep time and maximum flavor satisfaction.

Tips for Creamy Alfredo Sauce

• Mix Gently: Avoid overworking the meatball mixture to keep them tender and light, ensuring a delicate texture that melts in your mouth.
• Ensure Even Size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform meatballs, which guarantees consistent cooking and professional-looking presentation.
• Prevent Sticking: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to stop meatballs from sticking and tearing when removing.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken meatballs reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and juicy results.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Simmer Alfredo sauce slowly and stir constantly to prevent burning and achieve the perfect creamy consistency without separating.

Store Meatballs Without Drying Out

• Refrigerate meatballs and sauce in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth. Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and safety.
• Reheating Option 1: Microwave individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of cream or water to restore sauce consistency.
• Reheating Option 2: Warm meatballs and sauce in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently until heated thoroughly. This method helps maintain the original texture and prevents sauce separation.

What Goes with Ricotta Meatballs

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy Alfredo sauce and cut through the richness of the chicken and ricotta meatballs.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Toasted, buttery garlic bread provides a crunchy texture that balances the soft meatballs and creamy sauce, creating a delightful meal experience.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a zesty contrast to the rich meatballs, bringing brightness and acidity to the plate.
• Match with Chilled Prosecco: Sparkling Prosecco adds a celebratory touch, its bubbles and slight sweetness enhancing the savory flavors of the chicken and spinach meatballs.

Meatball Variations to Try

• Mediterranean Magic: Swap Italian seasoning with oregano, mint, and za'atar. Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and add sun-dried tomatoes to the meatball mixture for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix ground chicken with jalapeños, cilantro, and cumin. Use pepper jack cheese in the meatballs and create a chipotle cream sauce instead of traditional Alfredo.
• Herb Garden Fusion: Incorporate fresh chopped basil, parsley, and chives into the meatball mixture. Create a lighter sauce using Greek yogurt and reduced cream, adding roasted garlic for depth.
• Keto-Friendly Alternative: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour, use cauliflower rice instead of pasta, and increase the fat content by adding extra Parmesan and cream to the sauce.

Chicken Spinach Ricotta Meatballs In Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chicken Spinach Ricotta Meatballs offer a luxurious Italian-inspired comfort meal blending tender protein with rich, herbal notes. Creamy Alfredo sauce envelops these delicate morsels, creating a harmonious dinner experience that delights palates and satisfies hearty appetites.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground chicken

Cheese Ingredients:

• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Serving Suggestion:

• Cooked pasta

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (204°C), preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet for the meatballs.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend ground chicken, smooth ricotta cheese, finely grated Parmesan, a whisked egg, dried breadcrumbs, minced garlic, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and Italian herb blend.
3. Gently shape the protein mixture into uniform 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) spherical meatballs, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
4. Arrange the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each piece.
5. Roast the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and develop a golden exterior.
6. While meatballs cook, create the Alfredo sauce by melting unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over moderate heat.
7. Introduce minced garlic to the butter, sautéing until fragrant and slightly translucent, approximately 1-2 minutes.
8. Pour heavy cream into the garlic-butter mixture, stirring consistently to prevent scorching.
9. Gradually incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and begins to thicken.
10. Add fresh chopped spinach leaves to the cream sauce, seasoning with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
11. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing spinach to wilt and flavors to meld harmoniously.
12. Transfer the baked meatballs onto a bed of prepared pasta, generously drizzling the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce over the top.
13. Optional: Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Ensure meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
• Use fresh ricotta cheese for a creamy, smooth texture that enhances the meatball’s richness.
• Pat ground chicken dry before mixing to prevent soggy meatballs and improve binding.
• Allow meatballs to rest for a few minutes after baking to help them retain their shape and juiciness.
• Check internal temperature of meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding pasta water if it becomes too thick during cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg