There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of tender, flavorful meatballs coated in a creamy, garlicky sauce. When you combine the delicate juiciness of chicken ricotta meatballs with the velvety richness of spinach Alfredo sauce, you’re left with a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner to impress your family or a cozy meal to savor on a quiet evening, Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is the perfect choice.
A Match Made in Culinary Heaven
What makes this dish truly special is the harmonious pairing of its two main components. The chicken ricotta meatballs are soft, moist, and infused with the mild creaminess of ricotta cheese, while breadcrumbs and Parmesan add texture and depth. Meanwhile, the spinach Alfredo sauce elevates the dish with its decadent creaminess and subtle garlicky undertones, complemented by the earthy freshness of spinach. Together, they create a meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients required for this delightful recipe.
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 (such as fettuccine or spaghetti) for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s ready to bake the meatballs to golden perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until well combined. The ricotta cheese not only adds flavor but also keeps the meatballs soft and tender.
Once mixed, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This size ensures even cooking and makes them easy to serve.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The meatballs should be cooked through and lightly golden on the outside. While they bake, you can prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—this step brings out that signature garlicky aroma that makes Alfredo sauce so irresistible.
Next, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Step 5: Add Spinach to the Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, add the chopped spinach. Stir until the spinach is wilted and fully incorporated into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a splash of milk or more cream at this stage.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
To assemble your dish, place a generous serving of cooked pasta on each plate. Top with the baked chicken ricotta meatballs and ladle the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce over everything. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately for maximum flavor.
Tips for Success
- Ingredient Quality Matters: Since this dish relies on simple ingredients, their quality can make a big difference. Use fresh spinach, high-quality Parmesan cheese, and flavorful ricotta for the best results.
- Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce further. For a thinner consistency, add more cream or a splash of milk.
- Make It Ahead: Both the meatballs and sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove when ready to serve.
Creative Serving Suggestions
While this dish is delicious served over pasta, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it:
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
- Vegetable Pairing: Pair it with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for added nutrition and flavor.
- As an Appetizer: Serve the meatballs on their own with a side of spinach Alfredo sauce for dipping at your next gathering.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is versatile enough to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats.
- Dairy-Free: Replace ricotta, Parmesan, and cream with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or plant-based cheeses.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that combines comfort food vibes with gourmet flair. The balance of creamy, savory flavors makes it an instant crowd-pleaser, while its simplicity ensures it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself to a special dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat!
PrintChicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce
Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a culinary delight that brings together the tender juiciness of chicken meatballs with the creamy richness of a spinach Alfredo sauce. This recipe combines the mild, creamy texture of ricotta cheese integrated into the meatballs with the robust, garlicky flavor of a classic Alfredo sauce enhanced by fresh, nutritious spinach.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ 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
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional:
- Cooked pasta, for serving
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Make Meatballs:
2. In a bowl, mix ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Form into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake Meatballs:
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden.
Prepare Sauce:
5. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, bring to a simmer, and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Finish Sauce:
7. Add chopped spinach to the sauce, season with salt and pepper, and cook until spinach is wilted.
Serve:
8. Serve meatballs over cooked pasta, topped with spinach Alfredo sauce.
Notes
- Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor. The type of chicken, ricotta, and Parmesan can significantly influence the dish’s taste and texture.
- Consistency Adjustments: Adjust the cream amount based on desired sauce thickness. Add more for a thinner sauce, or let it reduce longer for a thicker consistency.
- Serving Suggestions: Pairs well with al dente pasta, steamed vegetables, or a salad. For a low-carb option, serve over spiralized vegetables or cauliflower rice.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: The meatballs and sauce can be made ahead, stored in the refrigerator, and reheated for quick meals.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove, adding a little extra cream if needed.
- Dietary Modifications: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. Dairy-free options can be achieved by substituting cheese and cream with vegan alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
