Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce 😍😋
These Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are tender and flavorful, paired perfectly with a creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce. This recipe is a wonderful comfort dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb Ground chicken
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg
- ½ cup Ricotta cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cups Fresh spinach
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- ¾ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Ricotta cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve:
- Cooked pasta of your choice (like fettuccine or penne)
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan and ricotta cheeses. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve:
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the skillet with the Spinach Alfredo Sauce. Gently toss to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
- Serve over your favorite cooked pasta and enjoy!
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can sauté the meatballs briefly in the skillet before adding them to the oven.
- Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for a richer sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for presentation.
FAQs:
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute if you prefer it or if it’s more readily available.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, make the sauce and reheat the meatballs in it.
What pasta pairs best with this dish?
Fettuccine or penne works beautifully, but any pasta will complement the creamy sauce and meatballs.