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Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 90 reviews

These Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and baked to perfection, combining ground chicken with creamy ricotta, Italian herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes. Served in a rich spinach Alfredo sauce infused with crispy bacon and Parmesan, this recipe offers a comforting and elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 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

Sauce

  • 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

Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Chopped cooked bacon (from above)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (235°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the meatballs.
  2. Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs with milk. Allow them to soak for about 2 minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and become moist.
  3. Prepare Vegetable Mix: Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and sun-dried tomatoes to a food processor. Pulse a few times until all ingredients are finely minced and well combined.
  4. Make Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the vegetable mixture with ground chicken (or turkey), the soaked breadcrumb mixture, egg, ricotta cheese, freshly grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and salt. Gently mix everything just until combined to avoid overworking the meat, which helps keep the meatballs tender.
  5. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 18-20 meatballs, approximately 2.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking oil to help with browning.
  6. Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes. They should be crisp on the outside and cooked through inside. Check doneness with a meat thermometer if desired; chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
  7. Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, keeping the drippings in the pan. Add the butter to the skillet and melt it. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper. Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted.
  8. Combine Meatballs With Sauce: Transfer the baked meatballs to the skillet with the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. Simmer together for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  9. Serve: Serve the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs smothered in the spinach Alfredo sauce. Garnish with chopped crispy bacon strips and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This dish pairs beautifully with your choice of pasta or crusty bread.

Notes

  • Using whole milk ricotta adds creaminess to the meatballs but part-skim ricotta can be substituted for a lighter option.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy depth; if unavailable, you may omit or substitute with roasted red peppers.
  • Ensure not to overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender and avoid dense meatballs.
  • For extra crispiness, you may broil the meatballs for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • Serve with your favorite pasta or over cooked rice for a filling meal.

Keywords: chicken ricotta meatballs, baked meatballs, spinach Alfredo sauce, Italian meatballs, ground chicken recipes

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/chicken-ricotta-meatballs-with-spinach-alfredo-sauce-recipe/