Tender Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Recipe

Tender and juicy baked chicken ricotta meatballs dance with creamy spinach Alfredo sauce in a mouthwatering culinary symphony.

These protein-packed spheres of deliciousness blend savory herbs and rich cheese into every delectable bite.

Lean ground chicken provides a lighter alternative to traditional meatball recipes, making this dish both nutritious and indulgent.

Soft ricotta cheese ensures each meatball stays incredibly moist and tender while adding a subtle tangy flavor.

The vibrant green spinach Alfredo sauce brings a luxurious, velvety element that perfectly complements the delicate chicken meatballs.

Packed with Mediterranean-inspired seasonings and easy to prepare, these meatballs will become an instant favorite at your dinner table.

Let’s find out this comforting yet elegant meal that promises to satisfy your deepest comfort food cravings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Alfredo

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that creates a tender, juicy meatball with lighter texture compared to beef.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind ingredients for a softer meatball texture.
• Egg: Crucial for holding meatballs together and providing structure.
• Breadcrumbs: Absorbs moisture and helps maintain meatball shape during baking.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Brings intense, concentrated sweetness and tangy depth to meatballs.
• Onion, Garlic: Provides aromatic base and complex savory undertones.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, herbal freshness and vibrant green color.
• Italian Seasoning: Delivers classic Mediterranean herb blend for authentic taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of meatballs.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates incredibly creamy, soft texture in meatballs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps bind ingredients.
• Bacon Strips: Introduces smoky, rich flavor and extra moisture.
• Butter, Heavy Cream: Builds luxurious, velvety base for Alfredo sauce.
• Additional Parmesan Cheese: Provides creamy, salty finish to sauce.
• Baby Spinach: Adds nutritional value and vibrant green color to sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Garnishes with fresh, bright note.

Tools to Bake Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Easily

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all meatball ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking sheet: Crucial for even cooking and easy meatball placement.
• Parchment paper or cooking spray: Prevents meatballs from sticking during baking.
• Skillet: Perfect for cooking bacon and preparing creamy sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for consistent results.
• Whisk: Great for smoothly blending sauce and melting cheese.
• Knife: Needed for chopping parsley, garlic, onion, and bacon.
• Cutting board: Provides safe surface for chopping ingredients.

How to Make Spinach Alfredo Chicken Meatballs

• Oven Preparation Warmup

Set the oven to a toasty 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Breadcrumb Magic

Combine breadcrumbs and milk, letting them mingle and soften together for a few peaceful moments.

• Flavor Fusion

Mix ground chicken, ricotta, herbs, and seasonings into the moistened breadcrumbs. Blend everything until the ingredients become best friends.

• Meatball Crafting

Gently roll the mixture into delightful bite-sized spheres. Place them carefully on the prepared baking sheet, giving each meatball some personal space.

• Baking Performance

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Let the meatballs transform into golden-brown treasures for about 18-20 minutes. Ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.

• Creamy Spinach Sauce

Sauté garlic in butter, creating a fragrant base. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer softly. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until silky smooth.

• Final Flourish

Toss tender spinach into the sauce until it wilts gracefully. Nestle the baked meatballs into this creamy embrace. Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits and fresh herbs for a stunning finish.

Tips for Tender Ricotta Chicken Meatballs

• Ground turkey works brilliantly as a leaner protein alternative to chicken, maintaining the recipe's delicious essence without compromising texture.
• Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a tangier flavor profile that adds extra protein and subtle tang to your meatballs.
• Kick up heat levels by incorporating red pepper flakes into meat mixture or adding cayenne pepper to Alfredo sauce for those craving zesty excitement.
• Frozen spinach can replace fresh spinach – just ensure thorough draining to prevent watery sauce consistency and maintain rich, creamy texture.
• Swap traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make entire recipe celiac-friendly without sacrificing moisture or binding properties in meatballs.

Serving Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Sauce

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve these meatballs over a warm bed of creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort food experience.
• Mediterranean Feast Platter: Arrange meatballs around a colorful Mediterranean salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and olives, drizzled with extra sauce.
• Elegant Pasta Companion: Toss the meatballs and spinach Alfredo sauce with fettuccine or linguine for a restaurant-quality pasta dish that impresses everyone.
• Appetizer Party Starter: Skewer the meatballs with toothpicks, serve in a chafing dish with extra sauce on the side for a crowd-pleasing finger food during gatherings.

Storage Guide for Ricotta Meatballs and Alfredo

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover meatballs and sauce in airtight containers, separating them to maintain texture. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking for maximum freshness.
• Chilled Meal Prep: Store in sealed containers up to 3-4 days. Perfectly packed lunches stay delicious when refrigerated quickly and protected from air exposure.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual meatballs in freezer-safe wrap or containers. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best taste and texture.
• Reheating Magic: Warm meatballs gently in microwave or oven at 350°F. Add splash of cream to sauce when reheating to restore original creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.

Succulent Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Savory chicken ricotta meatballs bring Mediterranean comfort to dinner tables with rich, creamy spinach alfredo sauce. Home cooks can elevate weeknight meals with this elegant Italian-inspired dish you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lb (680 g) ground chicken
• 6 oz (170 g) whole milk ricotta
• 2 cups Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 6 bacon strips
• 1 large egg
• 1 medium onion (very finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 cloves garlic
• 5 oz (150 g) baby spinach
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (for garnish)
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped)
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 4 tbsps butter
• 1 ¼ cups heavy cream (35% fat)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or cooking spray.
2. Breadcrumb Foundation: Combine breadcrumbs and milk, allowing the mixture to soften and absorb liquid for optimal texture.
3. Meatball Assembly: Blend breadcrumb mixture with onion, garlic, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, ground chicken, ricotta, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and salt, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Shaping and Initial Cooking: Form uniform meatballs and arrange on prepared baking sheet, then bake for 18-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a golden-brown exterior.
5. Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon in a skillet, drain excess fat, and set aside for garnishing.
6. Sauce Construction: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter, then introduce heavy cream and simmer gently, whisking in Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
7. Spinach Integration: Fold baby spinach into the cream sauce, allowing leaves to wilt and blend seamlessly with the rich base.
8. Final Composition: Incorporate baked meatballs into the spinach Alfredo sauce, ensuring complete coverage and uniform coating.
9. Presentation: Garnish with crumbled bacon bits and fresh parsley, serving immediately while hot.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Mixture: Gently mix ingredients to prevent tough meatballs; overmixing can lead to dense, chewy texture.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to precisely check chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring safe and juicy meatballs.
• Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon thoroughly to enhance sauce’s smoky flavor and provide a crunchy garnish.
• Sauce Consistency: Simmer cream sauce slowly to prevent separation and achieve smooth, velvety texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg