Description
These Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce are ultra-tender and coated in a rich, creamy spinach-infused Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 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 whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Instructions
Preparing the Meatballs:
- Mix the ingredients – In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the meatballs – Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
- Cook the meatballs – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Making the Spinach Alfredo Sauce: 4. Prepare the base – In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. 5. Create the sauce – Pour in heavy cream and milk, then stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently. 6. Add the spinach – Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted and fully incorporated. 7. Combine everything – Return the meatballs to the skillet, coating them in the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes until everything is heated through.
Notes
- Swap the protein: Use ground turkey instead of chicken.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
- Pair it with pasta: Serve over fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
- Low-carb option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian inspired
Keywords: chicken ricotta meatballs, spinach Alfredo sauce, creamy chicken meatballs, easy meatball recipe, Italian comfort food