Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce
Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a rich and creamy dish that pairs tender, flavorful meatballs with a luxurious sauce. The meatballs are made with ground chicken and creamy ricotta, making them light, juicy, and extra moist. Infused with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, these meatballs are cooked until golden brown. They are served over a luscious spinach Alfredo sauce, made with cream, garlic, and Parmesan, with fresh spinach folded in for a pop of color and added nutrition. This dish is hearty yet elegant, perfect for a comforting dinner or a special occasion meal.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:
1 lb ground chicken
½ cup ricotta cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
2 tbsp Olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low fat cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs:
Combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional parsley in a large bowl. Mix well.
Form the mixture into 1 ½-inch balls, yielding about 16-18 meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
Using the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and smooths.
Mix in spinach, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until spinach is wilted and integrated into the sauce.
Combine Meatballs with Sauce:
Return meatballs to skillet, coat with Alfredo sauce. Simmer together for 3-5 minutes.
Serve:
Dish over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. Optionally garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4