Description
Indulge in tender chicken ricotta meatballs smothered in a rich, creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. This comforting Italian-inspired dish pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches until golden brown (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce 4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. 5. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. 6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt. 7. Add spinach and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes). 8. Season with nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine and Serve 9. Return meatballs to the skillet, coating them in the Alfredo sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes. 10. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
- Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and serve with zucchini noodles.
- Spicy Variation: Add red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: chicken ricotta meatballs, spinach Alfredo sauce, creamy Italian meatballs, easy skillet meatballs, low-carb chicken meatballs