Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce That Wow Recipe
This Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce recipe combines tender ground chicken meatballs enriched with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, baked to perfection and served with a luscious homemade spinach Alfredo sauce. Deliciously comforting and packed with protein and flavor, it’s an easy-to-make meal that will impress family and friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound Ground Chicken (can be substituted with turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (consider using part-skim for a healthier twist)
- 1 cup Chopped Spinach (fresh or frozen works)
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (opt for whole wheat for a heartier texture)
- 1 Egg (a flaxseed mixture can be used as a vegan alternative)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (lightly coat the baking dish to prevent sticking)
Spinach Alfredo Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (for a lighter version, use half-and-half or a plant-based milk if desired)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated adds depth of flavor)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced, roasted garlic can add a sweeter flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (feel free to use fresh basil or oregano for freshness)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs (chopped parsley or basil for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the meatballs evenly.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the meat, then shape into medium-sized meatballs for even cooking.
- Arrange Meatballs: Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. Place the meatballs evenly apart on the dish so they bake uniformly and develop a nice crust.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until they are cooked through and nicely browned on the outside, ensuring safety and flavor.
- Make Spinach Alfredo Sauce: Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and minced garlic. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cream thickens slightly to create a rich base.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and flavorful.
- Coat Meatballs: Pour the prepared spinach Alfredo sauce over the baked meatballs. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce to coat them evenly, enhancing each bite with creamy richness.
- Final Bake: Return the coated meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness, and serve warm to enjoy the full comforting flavors.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner meat option.
- Use part-skim ricotta and half-and-half to reduce fat content while keeping creaminess.
- Fresh spinach is preferred but frozen can be used; if using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess water.
- Breadcrumbs can be whole wheat to add fiber and nutrients.
- For a vegan alternative, replace the egg with a flaxseed egg and use plant-based ricotta and cream alternatives.
- Roasted garlic can be used for a sweeter, milder garlic flavor.
- If you want a thicker Alfredo sauce, simmer a bit longer before adding the Parmesan cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: chicken meatballs, ricotta cheese, spinach Alfredo sauce, baked meatballs, Southern style, healthy meatballs, creamy sauce
