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Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

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  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

These juicy baked chicken ricotta meatballs are light, tender, and full of flavor. Paired with a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce, this comforting dish is perfect for weeknights but fancy enough for entertaining. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.


Ingredients

For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground chicken

  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 egg

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

 

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.

  2. Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, ricotta, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until combined. Don’t overmix.

  3. Form meatballs (about 1.5 inches each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

  4. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly golden on top.

  5. Make the Alfredo sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

  6. Add cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese and nutmeg (if using), and continue stirring until the cheese melts and sauce is smooth.

  8. Add chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.

  9. Add the baked meatballs to the sauce, gently coating them. Simmer for a few more minutes to warm everything through.

  10. Serve hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.


Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey for the chicken.

  • Add red pepper flakes for a little kick.

  • For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 145mg