Name: Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs).; 1/2 cup milk.; 1 medium onion, very finely chopped.; 3 garlic cloves, minced.; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped.; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped.; 1.5 pounds (700 grams) ground chicken or turkey.; 6 ounces whole milk ricotta (approximately 3/4 cup).; 1 large egg.; 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.; Salt, to taste.; 6 bacon strips.; 4 tablespoons butter.; 2 garlic cloves, minced.; 1 1/2 cups heavy cooking cream (35% fat).; 1/2 teaspoon salt.; 1/4 teaspoon pepper.; 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese.; 5 ounces (150 grams) baby spinach.; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, for garnish.

Imagine the most comforting and indulgent meal, and you'll find yourself thinking of 🍗 Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce. This dish is a treasure trove of flavors, with each meatball being a juicy morsel of chicken and ricotta, seasoned to perfection. The spinach Alfredo sauce is a creamy dream, rich with the goodness of spinach 🍃 and Parmesan cheese, enveloping each meatball in a velvety hug. What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of textures and flavors - the soft, flavorful meatballs contrast beautifully with the creamy, luxurious sauce. The addition of spinach not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a slightly earthy flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce. It's a dish that promises comfort and satisfaction, perfect for gathering around the table with loved ones. 🍴💖

Let's make dinner memorable with these juicy Chicken Ricotta Meatballs draped in a lush Spinach Alfredo Sauce. This delightful dish combines the tenderness of ricotta-infused chicken meatballs with the richness of a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. Perfect for serving over pasta, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this dish offers a gourmet experience with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this recipe so special.

Ingredients

Here is a detailed look at the ingredients you’ll need to create Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

For the Meatballs:

1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs): Adds texture and helps bind the meatballs.
1/2 cup milk: Soaks the breadcrumbs, adding moisture to the meatballs.
1 medium onion, very finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the meatballs with a robust, aromatic flavor.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, tangy flavor.
1.5 pounds (700 grams) ground chicken or turkey: Forms the base of the meatballs, offering a lean protein option.
6 ounces whole milk ricotta (approximately 3/4 cup): Adds creaminess and moisture.
1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the meatballs together.
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor with a blend of herbs.
Salt, to taste: Essential for seasoning.

For the Creamy Sauce:

6 bacon strips: Adds a smoky, savory flavor to the sauce.
4 tablespoons butter: Provides a rich base for the sauce.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor.
1 1/2 cups heavy cooking cream (35% fat): Forms the creamy base of the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning.
1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding a rich, cheesy flavor.
5 ounces (150 grams) baby spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy flavor.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.

With these carefully selected ingredients, you are ready to create a delicious and satisfying Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce that will impress your family and friends. Next, we’ll go through the detailed instructions to prepare this flavorful dish.

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious and memorable Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce that’s perfect for any occasion.

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (235°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that the meatballs will not stick and will cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Breadcrumbs Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs) with 1/2 cup milk. Set aside to soak for 2 minutes. This step helps to soften the breadcrumbs and add moisture to the meatballs.

Step 3: Prepare Vegetable Mix

Add 1 medium onion (very finely chopped), 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped), and 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped) to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. This mixture will add a robust flavor and texture to the meatballs.

Step 4: Make Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the vegetable mixture with 1.5 pounds (700 grams) ground chicken or turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 6 ounces whole milk ricotta (approximately 3/4 cup), 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and salt to taste. Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.

Step 5: Form Meatballs

Shape the mixture into 18-20 meatballs, each about 2.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the meatballs with cooking oil to help them crisp up in the oven.

Step 6: Bake Meatballs

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. Baking the meatballs ensures they hold their shape and develop a delicious, slightly crispy exterior.

Step 7: Prepare Sauce

In a large skillet, fry 6 bacon strips until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, then melt 4 tablespoons butter in the same pan. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and whisk in 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add 5 ounces baby spinach and cook until wilted.

Step 8: Combine Meatballs with Sauce

Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer for 2 more minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the meatballs to absorb some of the creamy sauce.

Step 9: Serve

Serve the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs and Spinach Alfredo Sauce over pasta of your choice. Sprinkle with chopped bacon and fresh parsley for garnish. This dish is perfect for a memorable dinner that will delight everyone at the table.

With these detailed instructions, you’ll have a flavorful and impressive Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce ready to enjoy. Next, we’ll cover some serving and storage tips, along with variations and helpful notes to enhance your cooking experience.

Serving and Storage Tips

Enjoying your Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce is simple with these serving and storage tips. Proper storage ensures that you can savor this delicious dish even as leftovers.

Serving: Serve the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce hot, over your favorite pasta. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. For an added touch, sprinkle chopped bacon and fresh parsley on top before serving. These additions enhance the flavor and presentation of the dish.
Storage: If you have leftovers, allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely before storing. Place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Proper storage helps maintain the flavor and texture of the meatballs and sauce.
Reheating: To reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to prevent the sauce from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Helpful Notes and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce and make it your own:

Additional Toppings: Enhance the flavor and presentation by adding toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers. These toppings can provide extra texture and flavor.
Cheese Options: While Parmesan cheese is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, Asiago, or a blend of your favorites for a different flavor profile.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. This will give the dish a spicy kick that complements the creamy sauce.
Alternative Meats: Substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, or a plant-based meat alternative for a different take on this classic dish.

Famed chef Lidia Bastianich once said, "Cooking is a craft, I like to think, and a good cook is a craftsman—not an artist, but a craftsman." Embrace this spirit when making your Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce by experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to create a dish that reflects your personal taste. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out new variations, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your home.