Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo
A delightful dish combining homemade chicken meatballs with a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and special family dinners.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken Light and flavorful, perfect for meatballs.
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs Serves as a binder and adds crunch.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese Adds creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds richness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For bold flavor.
- 1 tsp onion powder For subtle onion flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning Enhances flavor.
- 1 large egg Binds the ingredients.
- Salt and black pepper to taste Season to perfection.
- Olive oil spray or drizzle To ensure meatballs bake to golden brown.
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped Adds nutrition and color.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour Thickens the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream Creates a luxurious texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce) Enhances flavor.
- 2 cups whole milk Essential for Alfredo sauce.
- 2 tbsp butter Makes the sauce richer.
- Pinch ground nutmeg (optional) Adds warmth.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking and Sauce Preparation
- Bake the meatballs for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
- Stir in flour and cook for about a minute, whisking to prevent lumps.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, simmering until thickened (3–5 minutes).
Final Steps
- Stir in remaining Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Notes
Consider using fresh herbs for an appealing presentation. For variation, try using ground turkey instead of chicken. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs for later use.