A comforting and creamy dish that combines the lightness of chicken meatballs with the richness of Alfredo sauce, all topped off with fresh spinach for added flavor. This recipe is a perfect choice for a satisfying dinner that your whole family will love!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional parsley.
- Mix the ingredients together until well combined. The ricotta cheese will add moisture and richness to the meatballs, while the breadcrumbs help hold them together.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs. You should yield about 16-18 meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir occasionally.
- Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce. This will create a creamy and velvety texture.
- Add the chopped spinach, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Stir and cook until the spinach is wilted and fully incorporated into the sauce. The spinach will not only add color but also a fresh, earthy flavor to balance the richness of the Alfredo.
4. Combine Meatballs with Sauce:
- Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and gently coat them with the Alfredo sauce.
- Let everything simmer together for about 3-5 minutes, ensuring the meatballs are heated through and well-coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Serve:
- Serve the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce over pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
- Optionally, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh and flavorful finish.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 4
Enjoy!
This rich and indulgent meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The creamy spinach Alfredo sauce pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken ricotta meatballs, making this a dish that everyone will ask for again and again!