Indulge in a dish that is as comforting as it is elegant—Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce. This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken meatballs infused with rich ricotta and Parmesan, ensuring each bite is soft, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious. Paired with a creamy, velvety spinach Alfredo sauce, this dish is a true comfort food masterpiece that is both hearty and sophisticated.
Whether you’re looking for an easy yet impressive meal for a busy weeknight or a dish that can elevate a special occasion, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
✔ Extra Tender Meatballs – The ricotta cheese in the meatballs keeps them light, moist, and melt-in-your-mouth soft, while the Parmesan adds a delightfully cheesy depth.
✔ Creamy, Flavorful Sauce – The spinach Alfredo sauce is silky, rich, and packed with savory goodness, creating the perfect pairing for the chicken meatballs.
✔ Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy with pasta for a classic Italian-inspired meal or serve on its own for a low-carb, keto-friendly option.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – This dish is quick and easy for weeknights, yet elegant enough for entertaining.
A Harmony of Flavors & Textures
At the heart of this dish are the ricotta-infused chicken meatballs—tender, moist, and packed with the perfect balance of herbs and cheese. These meatballs are light yet rich, making them an ideal companion to the creamy Alfredo sauce.
The spinach Alfredo sauce brings a silky, velvety texture and a burst of savory goodness, thanks to the combination of Parmesan, garlic, and heavy cream. The fresh spinach adds a pop of color and earthy freshness, perfectly balancing the richness of the sauce.
How to Serve It
Pair these chicken ricotta meatballs with:
- Fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine for a classic Italian comfort meal
- Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb option
- Crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce
- A fresh green salad to brighten up the meal with a crisp contrast
For the ultimate experience, serve with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which beautifully complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
An Easy Yet Elegant Recipe
Despite its restaurant-quality flavors, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare. The meatballs come together quickly with just a handful of ingredients, and the Alfredo sauce simmers to perfection in minutes. In under an hour, you’ll have a satisfying, comforting, and decadent meal ready to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a dish that delivers hearty comfort, rich flavors, and effortless elegance, this Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a must-try. Gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
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
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
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
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb ground chicken, 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to shape into meatballs.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
- Using your hands, shape the chicken mixture into small meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter). You should get approximately 16-20 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and slightly golden on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce
- While the meatballs are baking, start the Alfredo sauce. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Add the 1 minced garlic clove and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach and cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
- Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce, making sure they are well coated.
- Serve the meatballs with the sauce over your favorite pasta, or enjoy them on their own for a lighter option.
Cooking Notes:
- Ground Chicken: You can substitute ground turkey for the chicken if you prefer.
- Ricotta Substitute: If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you can substitute it with cottage cheese for a similar texture.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach works best for this recipe, but you can also use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Pasta: Serve these meatballs over fettuccine, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta for a hearty meal.
- With Bread: Pair with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- As a Low-Carb Option: For a lighter meal, serve these meatballs with a side of roasted vegetables or over zoodles (zucchini noodles).
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them uncooked. When ready to bake, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and cook as directed.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 25 minutes
Total Time:
- 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 750mg
Conclusion
Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a comforting, delicious dish that is easy to prepare yet elegant enough for special occasions. The chicken meatballs are tender and flavorful, while the rich Alfredo sauce with spinach adds a creamy, savory touch. Serve this dish over pasta or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!