My hubby calls these little pieces of heaven in his mouth!
Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo
These baked chicken meatballs are moist, cheesy, and packed with flavor, thanks to creamy ricotta and Parmesan. Paired with a velvety spinach Alfredo sauce, this recipe is a perfect family dinner that’s both comforting and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground chicken | 2 pounds |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup (whole milk is best) |
| Grated Parmesan | ½ cup |
| Italian breadcrumbs | ¾ cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Heavy cream | 2 cups |
| Fresh baby spinach | 6 cups |
| Butter | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Grated Parmesan | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Ground nutmeg | A pinch |
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix by hand until everything is just blended—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs light and tender.
3. Shape & Bake
Lightly moisten your hands, then form the mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball. You should end up with around 24 meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
4. Start the Alfredo Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Simmer Cream & Add Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let the cream come to a gentle simmer—don’t let it boil. Add the grated Parmesan and stir until fully melted into a smooth, creamy sauce. Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
6. Wilt the Spinach
Toss in the spinach by the handful, stirring as you go. The spinach will shrink significantly as it cooks. Stir until fully wilted and the sauce is thickened. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
To Serve
Once the meatballs are ready, add them to the Alfredo sauce and gently toss to coat, or serve the sauce beneath or beside them. These meatballs pair beautifully with pasta, steamed rice, or toasted bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
