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Looking for a comfort meal that is both delicious and wholesome? Try these Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo. They feature tender chicken-ricotta meatballs paired with a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual meals, or a small celebration. It is easy to make and sure to impress.
You get lean protein from the chicken, creaminess from the ricotta, and vitamins from fresh spinach. The Alfredo sauce ties everything together. This meal is balanced, flavorful, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo
- Lean protein in every bite
- Creamy texture from ricotta and Alfredo
- Spinach adds color and nutrition
- Easy to prepare without frying
- Customizable with pasta, rice, or veggies
This dish is a crowd-pleaser that looks gourmet but is simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
To Serve:
- Pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Step 1: Prep Meatballs
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking tray with parchment or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, ricotta, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Do not overmix.
3. Form Meatballs
Shape into 1.5-inch meatballs. You should get about 20–24 meatballs. Place them evenly on the baking tray. Give each some space for even cooking.
Step 2: Bake Meatballs
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Check with a thermometer—meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven and set aside.
Step 3: Make Spinach Alfredo Sauce
- In a large skillet, melt butter on medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted (2–3 minutes).
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently.
- Add Parmesan cheese slowly, stirring until melted and the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream.
Step 4: Combine Meatballs & Sauce
Add the baked meatballs to the skillet. Scoop sauce over them. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes so flavors meld. Coat each meatball evenly.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Serve meatballs and Alfredo sauce over pasta, rice, or veggies. Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. This dish pairs well with a green salad or garlic bread.
Variations & Tips
- Meat Options: Use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken.
- Cheese Swap: Try a blend of Italian cheeses like mozzarella.
- No Breadcrumbs: Use almond flour or omit for gluten-free.
- Veggies in Sauce: Add mushrooms or bell peppers when cooking spinach.
- Level Up Sauce: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or fresh herbs.
- Make-ahead: Bake meatballs ahead, freeze or refrigerate. Reheat in sauce when ready.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Press plastic film on sauce surface and refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Use airtight containers; freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on stove or microwave. Add a touch of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutritional Benefits
- Lean Protein: Chicken and cheese help with muscle growth.
- Healthy Fats: Butter and cream provide flavor and energy.
- Greens Included: Spinach offers iron and vitamins.
- Balanced Meal: You can pair with starch or veggies for a full plate.
Side Dish Ideas
- Crusty bread for dipping into sauce
- Mixed green salad with vinegar dressing
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Light pasta with olive oil and garlic
FAQ Section
Can I bake meatballs in sauce instead?
Yes. Place raw meatballs in sauce and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
Can I make sauce dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes—freeze in containers; thaw and reheat in sauce.
How thick should the sauce be?
A thick sauce is ideal for coating. Thin it with milk if needed.
Can I add mushrooms?
Sure! Sauté 1 cup chopped mushrooms when cooking garlic.
Recipe Card
Serves: 4–6
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 25 min
Total: 40 min
Ingredients as listed above.
Steps:
- Mix meatball components.
- Bake meatballs.
- Sauté garlic and spinach, add cream and cheese.
- Add meatballs to sauce and serve.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo are a delightful mix of flavor, texture, and nutrition. Easy yet elegant, they’re great for any meal—whether a casual family night or a fancy dinner. The meatballs are tender, the Alfredo is rich, and the spinach adds freshness.
Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try. The creamy sauce, cheesy meatballs, and hearty sides make a satisfying, comforting dinner your whole family will enjoy. Bon appétit!
