Description
Indulge in Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce – tender, juicy meatballs infused with ricotta and sun-dried tomatoes, smothered in a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is a comforting delight that’s both flavorful and versatile.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:
- 1.5 pounds ground chicken or turkey
- 6 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese (approximately ¾ cup)
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 medium onion, very finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 6 bacon strips
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream (35% fat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 ounces baby spinach (approximately 150 grams)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit until softened.
- Mix in onion, garlic, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, ground chicken, ricotta, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt.
- Form 1½-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs:
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Prepare the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and chop.
- Melt butter in the skillet, add garlic, and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with bacon and parsley. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or bread.
Notes
- Meatballs can be made with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- For a gooey surprise, stuff meatballs with mozzarella cheese.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
