I first discovered this recipe during a particularly busy weeknight when I wanted to create something hearty yet healthy for my family. The combination of ground chicken and ricotta cheese results in incredibly tender and moist meatballs, while the Spinach Alfredo Sauce adds a luxurious touch without being too heavy. Over time, this dish has become a family favorite, often requested and always enjoyed.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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
Additional:
Cooked pasta, for serving
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Set the Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to bake the meatballs to perfection.
Make the Meatballs:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken, 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 2 minced garlic cloves, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until thoroughly combined.
- Tip: Using your hands can help mix the ingredients more evenly.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Tip: Dampen your hands with a little water to prevent the mixture from sticking while forming the meatballs.
Bake the Meatballs:
- Bake Until Golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly golden on the outside.
Prepare the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Tip: Be careful not to burn the butter; you want it to melt gently.
- Sauté Garlic: Add 1 minced garlic clove to the melted butter and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Tip: Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it and stir constantly.
- Add Cream and Parmesan: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the sauce has slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Tip: Continue stirring to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the spinach is wilted and well incorporated into the sauce.
- Variation: For a different flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of white wine to the sauce.
Serve:
- Combine and Serve: Plate your cooked pasta and top with the baked chicken ricotta meatballs. Generously ladle the Spinach Alfredo Sauce over the meatballs and pasta.
- Garnish: For an extra touch, garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.
Variations and Substitutions
Meat Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or even a mix of ground chicken and turkey for the meatballs.
Cheese Variations: For a different flavor profile, try using Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan in the meatballs and sauce.
Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatball mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the meatballs and sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta for a low-carb meal.
Conclusion
This Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the comfort of homemade meatballs with the elegance of a creamy, garlicky sauce. It’s a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit various dietary preferences and tastes, making it a fantastic addition to any meal plan. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy a delicious and nutritious dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the satisfaction of serving a meal that’s both comforting and gourmet.