Creamy Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo

Photo byVal Reed

There’s something magical about the combination of creamy ricotta, tender chicken, and a velvety spinach Alfredo sauce that brings comfort straight to the table. Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a dish that takes the traditional meatball experience to new heights with its rich and satisfying flavors. It's perfect for pasta lovers or anyone looking for a meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

The star of this dish is, of course, the meatballs. Using ground chicken as a lighter alternative to beef or pork, these meatballs are incredibly tender, thanks to the addition of ricotta cheese, which adds creaminess and keeps them from drying out. Paired with the classic flavors of garlic, oregano, and basil, each bite is filled with Italian-inspired warmth.

But what truly elevates these meatballs is the luscious spinach Alfredo sauce. Alfredo sauce, known for its rich and creamy texture, gets a nutritious boost with the addition of fresh spinach, bringing both flavor and a vibrant pop of color to the dish. The Parmesan in the sauce melds perfectly with the creamy base, while the garlic adds just the right amount of depth to make the flavors sing.

Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked pasta, topped with these delectable meatballs and drenched in Alfredo goodness. This dish is both comforting and indulgent, making it a family favorite for weeknight dinners or a show-stopper for a cozy dinner party.

Recipe: Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for baking or frying)

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing the spinach, if preferred)

For Serving:

• Cooked pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
• Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
2. • In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
   • Form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and set aside.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
4. • For the baking method, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the meatballs with olive oil and bake them on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown.
   • For the frying method, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Prepare the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
6. • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Stir in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
   • Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, if using.
   • Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted and fully incorporated into the sauce. You can also sauté the spinach separately in olive oil for additional flavor before adding it to the sauce.
7. Combine and Serve:
8. • Gently fold the cooked meatballs into the Spinach Alfredo sauce.
   • Serve the meatballs and sauce over your choice of cooked pasta.
   • Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.

This meal is an explosion of flavors, from the juicy chicken ricotta meatballs to the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. It’s a dinner that's both wholesome and decadent, perfect for a quiet night at home or when entertaining guests. The ricotta and Parmesan add layers of creaminess, while the spinach brings freshness to balance out the richness. Every bite is a testament to comfort food at its finest.

For your Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce, several sources provide helpful variations and tips to enhance the recipe.

To make the most of this dish, the key is in the combination of tender chicken meatballs, enriched with ricotta, and a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. Ricotta cheese keeps the meatballs moist and adds a light texture, while the spinach Alfredo sauce brings a comforting richness, perfect for serving over pasta or with crusty bread​(Masters of Kitchen)​(Tea Time with Naomi).

If you’re looking for variations, you can easily swap the chicken for ground turkey for a different flavor profile, or even create vegetarian versions using mashed chickpeas or mushrooms​(recipestasteful)​(Tea Time with Naomi). Additionally, adding a touch of white wine to the Alfredo sauce can deepen the flavor, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick​(optimal recipes).

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and a glass of white wine like Chardonnay, making it a perfect option for both family dinners and special gatherings​(optimal recipes).

For more recipe tips and detailed instructions, you can check out the full recipe (Masters of Kitchen)ps://​(Tea Time with Naomi)itchen.com/chicken-ricotta-meatballs-in-spinach-alfredo-sauce-recipe/) and here.