A perfect blend of juicy chicken ricotta meatballs and a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce, this dish is comforting and full of flavor. Whether served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, it’s bound to become a favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:
1 lb ground chicken
½ cup ricotta cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional parsley. Mix until well incorporated.
Form the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs, yielding approximately 16-18 meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, letting the sauce thicken and become smooth.
Add the chopped spinach, salt, pepper, and optional ground nutmeg. Stir and cook until the spinach wilts and blends into the sauce.
Combine Meatballs with Sauce:
Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, gently tossing them in the Alfredo sauce. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve:
Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish!