Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Delicious and healthy baked chicken ricotta meatballs served with a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. This comforting dish combines tender chicken and creamy ricotta cheese, baked to perfection and topped with a flavorful sauce that incorporates vibrant spinach and rich Alfredo sauce for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Spinach Alfredo Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
- Prepare the spinach Alfredo sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Stir in the Alfredo sauce and garlic powder, then season with salt and pepper. Heat through gently until warmed.
- Serve: Place the baked meatballs on a serving dish and spoon the warm spinach Alfredo sauce over the top. Serve immediately as a delicious, comforting main course.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
- Homemade Alfredo sauce can be used to enhance flavor and control ingredients.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: chicken meatballs, ricotta, spinach Alfredo sauce, baked meatballs, healthy meatballs, Italian dish
