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Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

A comforting dish featuring tender chicken and ricotta meatballs enveloped in a rich spinach Alfredo sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground chicken Lean and juicy, the chicken serves as the backbone of these meatballs.
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese Adds richness and a velvety texture.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Provides binding and a hint of crunch.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Enhances flavor with umami.
  • 1 large egg Acts as a binder.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds aromatic flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Provides warmth and dimension.
  • to taste salt and pepper Balances flavors.
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce
  • 2 cups fresh spinach The star ingredient in the sauce.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Creates a luscious sauce.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Adds gooeyness.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Healthy fat for sautéing.

Method
 

Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Meatball Mixture
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Gently mix until just combined.
Form the Meatballs
  1. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
  2. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Meatballs
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Sauté the Spinach
  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add fresh spinach and sauté until it wilts.
Make the Alfredo Sauce
  1. Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted.
Combine and Serve
  1. Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce.
  2. Coat the meatballs and let cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  3. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Chill the meatball mixture if too wet. Substitute with ground turkey or different cheeses for variations.