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:
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1 lb ground chicken
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1/2 cup ricotta cheese
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
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2 tbsp butter
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 1/2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
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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.
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Form meatballs (about 1.5 inches each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly golden on top.
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Make the Alfredo sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese and nutmeg (if using), and continue stirring until the cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
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Add chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
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Add the baked meatballs to the sauce, gently coating them. Simmer for a few more minutes to warm everything through.
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Serve hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.
Notes
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You can substitute ground turkey for the chicken.
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Add red pepper flakes for a little kick.
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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