Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

There’s something so comforting about a big plate of creamy, flavorful meatballs. And when they’re made with chicken and ricotta, they become even more tender and delicious. Add a rich Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce, and you have a meal that’s equal parts indulgent and nourishing.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights but also impressive enough for guests. The meatballs are light and moist, thanks to the ricotta, while the Alfredo sauce adds a luxurious, creamy texture with a hint of earthiness from the spinach. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – The meatballs come together quickly with simple pantry staples.
• Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike love the creamy, cheesy flavors.
• Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to suit dietary needs.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and reheat for an effortless dinner.
• Balanced Meal – Protein-packed meatballs paired with nutrient-rich spinach.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home – Enjoy an elegant Italian-inspired dish without leaving your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for extra moisture)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (for depth of flavor)

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (enhances creaminess)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (for a silkier sauce)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Meatballs

1. Mix the Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the Meatballs – Gently mix until combined (don’t overmix). Shape into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake – Lightly spray the meatballs with cooking oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
4. Optional Searing – For extra flavor, sear the baked meatballs in a hot skillet with a little olive oil before adding them to the sauce.

Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic – Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Cream – Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and let it thicken slightly.
3. Add Cheese and Spinach – Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth, then add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Enhance the Flavor – Stir in nutmeg, salt, and pepper for depth.
5. Combine – Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat.

Serving Suggestions

• Over Pasta – Serve over fettuccine, spaghetti, or pappardelle for a classic pairing.
• With Rice – A simple side of rice soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
• With Bread – A crusty loaf of bread is perfect for dipping.
• Low-Carb Option – Serve with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or roasted cauliflower.
• Side Salad – A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness of the dish.

Recipe Variations

• Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free cheese and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
• Vegetarian Alternative – Replace chicken with mashed chickpeas and mushrooms.
• Lemon Twist – Add lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice to brighten up the sauce.
• Mushroom Lovers – Sauté mushrooms and add them to the sauce for extra umami.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make Ahead – Bake the meatballs up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge.
• Freeze – Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months.
• Reheat – Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Store in individual portions for easy weekday lunches.

FAQs

I’m glad you’re interested in enhancing your recipe for Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce. To provide your readers with additional culinary inspiration, here’s a “More Recipes to Try” section featuring five related recipes from your website, Dana Recipes:

More Recipes to Try

If you loved these Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce, here are more great meals to explore:

• Chicken Primavera Spaghetti Squash Boats – A wholesome and delicious low-carb dish packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a light primavera sauce.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Bites – Juicy, bite-sized chicken pieces sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
• Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce – A crispy, golden parmesan-crusted chicken served with a luscious creamy garlic sauce.

For even more delicious and creative recipe ideas, be sure to check out this great resource for inspiration: Creamy Greek Honey Ricotta Pie Recipe

Feel free to copy and paste this section into your recipe post to provide your readers with additional options they’ll love!

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