Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce, a delightful dish that effortlessly combines comfort and nutrition. These tender chicken meatballs are packed with ricotta cheese and fresh spinach, then lovingly baked to perfection. The creamy spinach Alfredo sauce envelops the meatballs, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its easy preparation and versatile serving options, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 12-16 meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- For the sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté spinach until wilted. Add minced garlic and cook for one minute before pouring in heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper; let it simmer until thickened (3–5 minutes).
- Combine sautéed spinach into the sauce and gently add baked meatballs. Allow them to simmer together briefly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball with sauce (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Substitute ground turkey for ground chicken for a lighter option. For gluten-free variations, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatball mixture for added flavor and nutrition.