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Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 130 reviews

Enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal with these Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs served in a creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce. Tender chicken meatballs enriched with ricotta and Parmesan are baked to perfection and combined with a luscious Alfredo sauce studded with spinach and crispy bacon. Perfect for a family dinner or cozy gathering!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • ½ cup Italian Breadcrumbs (regular breadcrumbs can also be used)
  • ½ cup Milk (moistens the breadcrumbs for a tender texture)
  • 1 Medium Onion, very finely chopped
  • 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1.5 pounds Ground Chicken (can substitute with ground turkey)
  • 6 ounces Whole Milk Ricotta (approx. ¾ cup)
  • 1 Large Egg (binding agent)
  • ⅓ cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • Salt as needed

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce

  • 6 Bacon Strips
  • 4 tablespoons Butter (contributes creaminess)
  • 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1½ cups Heavy Cream (35% fat)
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Pepper
  • 2 cups Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 5 ounces Baby Spinach (provides color and nutrition)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (235°C) to ensure it is hot enough for baking the meatballs to a crisp golden brown.
  2. Soak Breadcrumbs: In a bowl, soak the Italian breadcrumbs in milk for about 2 minutes to add moisture and tenderness to the meatballs.
  3. Chop Ingredients: Use a food processor to pulse the finely chopped onion, garlic, parsley, and sun-dried tomatoes together until well combined, infusing flavor into the meatball mix.
  4. Combine Mixture: In a large bowl, gently mix the chopped vegetable mixture with ground chicken, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix just until combined to maintain a tender texture.
  5. Shape Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 18-20 meatballs, each about 2.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them evenly on a lined baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking oil for a crisp finish.
  6. Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they are crisp on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Fry Bacon: While the meatballs bake, cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
  8. Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  9. Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper, then whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  10. Add Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  11. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the baked meatballs to the skillet and simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, allowing flavors to meld.
  12. Serve: Top with crumbled crispy bacon and freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, optionally over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use high-quality ground chicken with some fat for tender meatballs; avoid overly lean options to prevent dryness.
  • Mix meatball ingredients gently to avoid dense texture and maintain tenderness.
  • Soaking breadcrumbs in milk is essential for moist and tender meatballs.
  • Cook bacon until crispy for the best texture and flavor contrast.
  • Simmer sauce slowly to achieve a thick, rich consistency that coats the meatballs perfectly.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for alternative flavors.
  • Make meatballs ahead by shaping and refrigerating for up to 24 hours or freeze uncooked for up to 3 months.
  • Store cooked meatballs refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months. Reheat gently to preserve moisture.

Keywords: chicken meatballs, ricotta meatballs, spinach alfredo sauce, baked meatballs, Italian dinner, creamy sauce, healthy meatballs, homemade meatballs

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/baked-chicken-ricotta-meatballs-with-spinach-alfredo-sauce-recipe-2/