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Chicken Ricotta Meatballs In Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Featured in: Evening meals for every day

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. 🍴💖
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A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 04 Jan 2025 03:07:53 GMT
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Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce | myhomemaderecipe.com

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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: 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 ground chicken: Forms the base of the meatballs, offering a lean protein option.
    • 6 ounces ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and moisture.
    • 1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent.
    • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor.
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor.
    • Salt to taste: Essential for seasoning.
  • For the Creamy Sauce:
    • 6 bacon strips: Adds a smoky, savory flavor.
    • 4 tablespoons butter: Provides a rich base for the sauce.
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor.
    • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: 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 grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor.
    • 5 ounces baby spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy flavor.
    • 1 tablespoon parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious and memorable Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (235°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Breadcrumbs Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Set aside for 2 minutes to soften.

Step 3: Prepare Vegetable Mix

Finely chop onion, garlic, parsley, and sun-dried tomatoes in a food processor.

Step 4: Make Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine vegetable mix, ground chicken, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, ricotta, Parmesan, seasoning, and salt. Mix until combined.

Step 5: Form Meatballs

Shape the mixture into 18-20 meatballs, about 2.5 inches in diameter. Place on baking sheet and spray with oil.

Step 6: Bake Meatballs

Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

Step 7: Prepare Sauce

Fry bacon until crispy. Melt butter in the same pan, sauté garlic, add cream, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

Step 8: Combine Meatballs with Sauce

Add meatballs to sauce, simmer for 2 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 9: Serve

Serve hot over pasta, garnished with bacon and parsley.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serving: Serve hot over pasta with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. Garnish with bacon and parsley.
  • Storage: Cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or milk to prevent drying out, or in the microwave on medium power.

Helpful Notes and Variations

  • Additional Toppings: Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers.
  • Cheese Options: Experiment with mozzarella, Asiago, or other cheeses.
  • Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce for heat.
  • Alternative Meats: Substitute ground chicken with turkey, beef, or plant-based meat.

Famed chef Lidia Bastianich once said, "Cooking is a craft, and a good cook is a craftsman." Experiment with ingredients to make this dish your own.

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

Embrace the luxurious blend of tender chicken ricotta meatballs swathed in a creamy, spinach-laden Alfredo sauce. A dish that promises a delightful departure from the mundane, each ingredient meticulously chosen to create a harmonious melody of flavors.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: ~

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

Step 01

Preheat oven to 450°F (235°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with milk and set aside to soak for 2 minutes.

Step 03

Add the onion, garlic, parsley, and sun-dried tomatoes to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.

Step 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.

Step 05

Shape into 18-20 (2.5-inch) meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Spray with cooking oil.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 08

Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer for 2 more minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Step 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

  1. 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.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 206
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~