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Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce


  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Indulge in tender chicken ricotta meatballs paired with a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. This flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a rich, comforting meal in just 40 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs:
    • In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and parsley until well combined.
    • Shape into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs.
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Cook meatballs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F). Set aside.
  2. Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
    • Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
    • Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    • Pour in heavy cream, stirring occasionally until simmering.
    • Stir in Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
    • Add chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
  3. Combine and Serve:
    • Return meatballs to the skillet, gently tossing in the sauce.
    • Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
    • Serve over pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Swap ground chicken for turkey.
  • Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta.
  • Make it low-carb with zoodles or cauliflower rice.
  • Enhance the sauce with mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: chicken meatballs, ricotta meatballs, spinach Alfredo, creamy pasta, easy dinner