Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Recipe
Introduction
These Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo combine tender chicken and creamy ricotta for a comforting meal. Simmered in a rich spinach Alfredo sauce, they make a perfect dish for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta, and chopped spinach. Mix gently until evenly combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes until they are cooked through and lightly browned. Meanwhile, warm the Alfredo sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or Italian seasoning to the meatball mixture.
- Substitute fresh spinach with frozen, well-drained spinach if fresh is unavailable.
- Use homemade Alfredo sauce for a fresher taste or a store-bought one for convenience.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground chicken with similar results and flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Ensure your Alfredo sauce is gluten-free and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them if added. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if no gluten-containing additives are included.
PrintChicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Recipe
These Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo are a comforting and creamy dish featuring tender baked chicken meatballs blended with creamy ricotta cheese. Served in a rich spinach Alfredo sauce, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the meatballs: Using your hands or a scoop, shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
- Prepare the spinach Alfredo sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the Alfredo sauce and stir in chopped fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer meatballs in the sauce: Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the spinach Alfredo sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot, spooning extra spinach Alfredo sauce over them. Enjoy with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- If you want a lighter sauce, use a low-fat Alfredo sauce or substitute half the Alfredo with milk.
- Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
Keywords: chicken meatballs, ricotta, spinach Alfredo, baked meatballs, comfort food, creamy sauce
