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Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

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Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is an irresistible, comfort-filled dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering. Tender and juicy chicken meatballs made with ricotta cheese are baked to perfection and served in a creamy, spinach-infused Alfredo sauce. This dish combines the best of both worlds: hearty meatballs and a velvety, flavorful sauce. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the richness of the cheese, the freshness of spinach, and the comforting, creamy texture of the Alfredo sauce. It’s an indulgent meal that still feels light and fresh.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing)

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Make the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
  2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined, but avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You should have about 16 meatballs.
  4. Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Prepare the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

  1. Sauté the Garlic and Spinach: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts down and becomes tender.
  3. Make the Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, then add the Italian seasoning. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to your liking.

Combine the Meatballs and Sauce:

  1. Add Meatballs to the Sauce: Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully add them to the skillet with the spinach Alfredo sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
  2. Simmer Together: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve the Dish:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot. Optionally, pair with pasta or zucchini noodles for a full meal.

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