My husband says these are like little bites of heaven!
Tender chicken meatballs made with ricotta and Parmesan are baked to a golden finish, then covered in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce packed with fresh spinach.
Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients (Chicken Meatballs)
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Ground chicken | 1 pound |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Dried Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Ingredients (Spinach Alfredo Sauce)
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Fresh spinach, chopped | 2 cups |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
| Nutmeg | 1 pinch |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
How to Make Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce
Step 1: Preheat and Prep:
Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly blended.
Step 3: Shape and Bake:
Form the mixture into meatballs about the size of golf balls and arrange them on the prepared baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
Step 4: Begin the Alfredo Sauce:
While the meatballs cook, start the Spinach Alfredo Sauce by melting the butter in a large pan over medium heat.
Step 5: Create the Roux:
Add the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute to form a smooth paste.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce:
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking the entire time to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture begins to thicken.
Step 7: Add Flavor:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes velvety.
Step 8: Add Spinach:
Mix in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the leaves have wilted.
Step 9: Serve:
Serve the hot, baked chicken meatballs with a generous spoonful of the creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce over the top.
