Savory Chicken Spinach Ricotta Meatballs in Creamy Alfredo Recipe

Tender, juicy chicken spinach ricotta meatballs dance in a luxurious Alfredo sauce that promises pure comfort.

Every bite melts with rich, creamy goodness and robust flavors.

These homemade meatballs pack a delightful punch of protein and greens.

The combination of ground chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy ricotta creates an irresistible texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Seasoned with herbs and spices, these meatballs elevate a simple weeknight dinner into something special.

The velvety Alfredo sauce blankets each meatball, ensuring maximum flavor in every forkful.

You won’t be able to resist this delectable dish that brings restaurant-quality cuisine straight to your dining table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken Spinach Ricotta Meatballs: Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that provides a light, tender texture to meatballs, choose fresh and minimally processed for best results.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds moisture and creamy richness, select smooth and fresh Italian-style ricotta for optimal flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Enhances savory depth and helps bind ingredients, opt for freshly grated for maximum taste.
• Egg: Acts as a crucial binding agent to hold meatballs together, select fresh large eggs.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates structure and helps absorb moisture, use plain or Italian-seasoned varieties.
• Minced Garlic: Delivers aromatic punch and depth of flavor, choose fresh cloves for most intense taste.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential for layering flavor and creating balanced seasoning profile.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for sauce, select unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety texture, choose high-quality cream for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor to sauce, freshly grated recommended.
• Spinach: Introduces nutritious green element and vibrant color, select fresh, crisp leaves.
• Salt, Pepper: Balances and enhances overall sauce flavor.

• Pasta: Ideal base for serving meatballs and sauce, choose your favorite shape.
• Additional Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Tools You’ll Need for Spinach Ricotta Meatballs

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all meatball ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect seasoning and consistency.
• Baking Sheet: Provides a flat surface for even cooking of meatballs.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Saucepan: Necessary for creating the creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Helps mix sauce ingredients and prevent burning.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping spinach and mincing garlic.
• Grater: Needed for grating Parmesan cheese.

How to Prepare Meatballs in Creamy Alfredo Sauce

• Meatball Mixture

Blend ground chicken with creamy ricotta, nutty Parmesan, beaten egg, and crunchy breadcrumbs. Sprinkle in minced garlic, a dash of salt, freshly ground pepper, and fragrant Italian herbs. Gently combine ingredients until they form a cohesive mixture.

• Meatball Formation

Shape the mixture into round, bite-sized balls about an inch wide. Place them carefully on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they’re not touching.

• Baking Process

Slide the meatballs into a preheated oven set at 400°F. Roast for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and reach a safe internal temperature.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Melt butter in a saucepan, then sauté minced garlic until it releases its aromatic essence. Pour in velvety heavy cream and sprinkle grated Parmesan. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, stirring occasionally.

• Spinach Infusion

Add fresh, vibrant spinach to the sauce. Cook until the leaves wilt and become tender, blending seamlessly into the creamy base. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

• Serving Suggestion

Arrange cooked pasta on plates, nestle the golden meatballs on top, and generously drizzle with the luxurious spinach Alfredo sauce. Optional: Dust with extra Parmesan for a finishing touch.

Tips for Juicy Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

• Add finely chopped fresh basil or parsley to the meatball mixture for an herbal brightness that complements the chicken and ricotta.
• Replace ground chicken with ground turkey or lean ground beef for different protein variations while maintaining the same delicious texture.
• Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs to make the meatballs celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Adjust the Alfredo sauce thickness by adding more heavy cream for a looser sauce or simmering longer for a thicker, richer texture.
• Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or red pepper flakes on top for added crunch and a subtle kick of heat that transforms the dish's visual and flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Spinach Ricotta Meatballs

• Pair with Pasta Perfection: Serve these succulent meatballs over fettuccine, linguine, or penne for a classic Italian-inspired meal that soaks up the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Enhance the dish's flavor by garnishing with chopped fresh basil, parsley, or chives to add a bright, aromatic touch that complements the chicken and spinach meatballs.
• Create a Balanced Plate: Add a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or a crisp green salad to provide a nutritious and colorful accompaniment that balances the creamy, indulgent main course.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the rich Alfredo sauce with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the creaminess and enhances the overall dining experience.

Storing Chicken Spinach Ricotta Meatballs for Later

• Refrigerate Strategically: Store meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess. Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack cooled meatballs and sauce in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meals stay delicious for up to 2 months, providing convenient quick dinner options.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then gently warm meatballs in a covered skillet with a splash of broth to retain moisture. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying.
• Prep-Ahead Hack: Mix meatball ingredients and shape them a day before cooking, then store covered in the refrigerator. This time-saving technique allows for faster meal preparation and enhances flavor development.

Luscious Chicken Spinach Ricotta Meatballs In Silky Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken spinach ricotta meatballs meld Mediterranean flavors with classic Italian comfort. Creamy alfredo sauce envelops tender meatballs, inviting you to savor each rich, harmonious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Cooked pasta

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Meatball Formation: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Gently mix until ingredients are evenly distributed, then shape into uniform 1-inch meatballs.
3. Baking Process: Arrange meatballs on prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each, and roast for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Sauce Creation: While meatballs cook, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, then pour in heavy cream, whisking continuously.
5. Sauce Refinement: Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Introduce chopped spinach, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
6. Serving: Place meatballs over prepared pasta, drench with creamy spinach Alfredo sauce, and optionally sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese for garnish.

Notes

• Meat Moisture Management: Mix ingredients gently to prevent dense, tough meatballs; overmixing can make chicken meatballs dry and compact.
• Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to confirm chicken meatballs reach 165°F internally, ensuring food safety without overcooking.
• Cheese Selection Tip: Choose full-fat ricotta for maximum tenderness and rich flavor; low-fat versions can make meatballs less juicy and cohesive.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Whisk Alfredo sauce continuously and remove from heat promptly to prevent separation or burning, maintaining a smooth, creamy texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg