Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that combines tender, cheesy meatballs with a rich Alfredo sauce, you’ve come to the right place. These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are made incredibly moist by adding creamy ricotta cheese to the mixture, then baked to perfection and finished in a luxurious, spinach-infused Alfredo sauce. Serve them over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for a dinner that’s both easy and impressive.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well blended.
3. Shape into Meatballs: Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture, then roll each portion into a ball with your hands. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they have a little space between them.
4. Bake: Cook the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked in the center.

2. Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce

1. Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic: While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
2. Form the Roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring continuously. This helps thicken the sauce.
3. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring as the sauce warms and begins to thicken, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Finish with Cheese and Spinach: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted into the sauce. Add the chopped spinach and continue cooking just until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Combine and Serve

1. Add Meatballs to the Sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them into the saucepan with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss or spoon the sauce over the meatballs until they are evenly coated.
2. Plate and Enjoy: Serve the meatballs and sauce over your favorite pasta (like fettuccine or penne), rice, or simply ladle them into a bowl with a side of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Pasta: Any type of pasta works beautifully. Classic fettuccine is a popular choice for Alfredo sauce, but penne, linguine, or even fusilli can hold the sauce well.
• Rice: For a gluten-free option, serve these meatballs with white, brown, or cauliflower rice.
• Crusty Bread: A loaf of bread can be dipped into the creamy sauce, soaking up every last bit of flavor.

Tips and Variations

1. Make It Spicy: If you like a little kick, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sprinkle them on top before serving.
2. Herb Substitutions: Swap out the parsley for basil, oregano, or a combination of Italian herbs to change the flavor profile.
3. Lighten It Up: Use low-fat milk or half-and-half in place of heavy cream. The sauce will be lighter, though slightly less rich.
4. Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add mushrooms or chopped broccoli. Sauté them briefly with the garlic before adding flour to the sauce.

Enjoy these Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce as a hearty main dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for company. They strike the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and delicious—sure to become a new family favorite!