Delight your taste buds with these tender, juicy chicken ricotta meatballs bathed in a rich, velvety spinach Alfredo sauce. This dish combines the delicate flavors of ground chicken, creamy ricotta, and aromatic herbs, all smothered in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce infused with fresh spinach. Whether served over pasta, rice, or enjoyed on its own, this recipe is a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. Ideal for a family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, these meatballs will become a favorite in no time.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs – In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Shape the Meatballs – Use your hands or a scoop to form small, evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray.
- Cook the Meatballs – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Dairy Ingredients – Pour in heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Let it heat for a minute, then add grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate Spinach – Add chopped spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted. For extra spice, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
- Combine Meatballs with Sauce – Gently place the cooked meatballs back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Enjoy – Remove from heat and serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.