Chicken Ricotta Meatballs (Print Version)
Ingredients:
01 -
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs).
02 -
1/2 cup milk.
03 -
1 medium onion, very finely chopped.
04 -
3 garlic cloves, minced.
05 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped.
06 -
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped.
07 -
1.5 pounds (700 grams) ground chicken or turkey.
08 -
6 ounces whole milk ricotta (approximately 3/4 cup).
09 -
1 large egg.
10 -
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
11 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
12 -
Salt, to taste.
13 -
6 bacon strips.
14 -
4 tablespoons butter.
15 -
2 garlic cloves, minced.
16 -
1 1/2 cups heavy cooking cream (35% fat).
17 -
1/2 teaspoon salt.
18 -
1/4 teaspoon pepper.
19 -
2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
20 -
5 ounces (150 grams) baby spinach.
21 -
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, for garnish.
Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 450°F (235°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 -
In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with milk and set aside to soak for 2 minutes.
03 -
Add the onion, garlic, parsley, and sun-dried tomatoes to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
04 -
In a large bowl, combine the vegetable mixture with ground chicken, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix just until combined.
05 -
Shape into 18-20 (2.5-inch) meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Spray with cooking oil.
06 -
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are crisp on the outside and cooked through.
07 -
In a large skillet, fry bacon until crispy. Remove bacon, then melt butter in the same pan. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly. Pour in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add baby spinach and cook until wilted.
08 -
Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer for 2 more minutes to allow flavors to blend.
09 -
Serve the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs and Spinach Alfredo Sauce over pasta of your choice. Sprinkle with chopped bacon and fresh parsley for garnish.
Notes:
01 -
Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce combines tender, juicy meatballs with a rich and creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a memorable dinner that will delight everyone at the table.