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Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Recipe | Creamy Spinach Alfredo

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Recipe | Creamy Spinach Alfredo


Description

Welcome, food enthusiasts! Today, we’re exploring a mouthwatering recipe: Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce. If you’re a fan of rich, creamy sauces and the delicate flavor of chicken, then this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Our goal is to help you master this Chicken Ricotta Meatballs recipe with ease, using simple steps and helpful tips along the way. So, let’s get cooking!


Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a golden, even bake for your meatballs.

Step 2: Mix the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until everything is well combined but not overworked. This ensures your meatballs remain tender.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced evenly for even cooking.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly golden on the outside. If using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute), being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).

Step 6: Add the Spinach

Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook until the spinach is wilted and well incorporated into the sauce.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the meatballs over your favorite cooked pasta and generously spoon the spinach Alfredo sauce over the top. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and freshly minced garlic elevate the flavor of the meatballs and the sauce.
  • Chill the Mixture: If the meatball mixture feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before shaping.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overworking the meatball mixture can result in dense, tough meatballs. Mix just until combined.