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Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Delicious Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Savor these Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce, a cozy comfort food perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Soaking Time 2 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Chicken or Turkey Choose quality meat with some fat content.
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese Can substitute with cottage cheese.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Italian or Regular) Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.
  • 1 medium Onion Can substitute with shallots.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Can use garlic powder.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley Can replace with fresh basil.
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Can substitute with roasted red peppers.
  • 1 large Egg For a vegan option, replace with a flax egg.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Can use nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
  • 1 cup Bacon Can substitute with pancetta or turkey bacon.
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Can replace with olive oil.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with half-and-half.
  • 3 cups Baby Spinach Can use cooked kale or Swiss chard.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Food processor
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (235°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Soak the breadcrumbs in milk for about 2 minutes, then set aside to rest.
  3. In a food processor, pulse the onion, garlic, parsley, and sun-dried tomatoes until finely chopped.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt.
  5. Shape the mixture into 18 to 20 meatballs, about 2.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the baking sheet.
  6. Bake the meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels.
  8. Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat, and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
  9. Slowly add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring in salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese until melted.
  10. Add the baby spinach to the sauce, cooking until just wilted, then incorporate the baked meatballs.
  11. Serve immediately, garnished with crispy bacon and chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

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