Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Discover a delicious twist on classic meatballs with these Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs served in a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. This comforting dish combines tender, flavorful meatballs with a rich sauce that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Ingredients

• 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 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)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (lightly coat the baking dish to prevent sticking)
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (chopped parsley or basil for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix gently until just combined, then form medium-sized meatballs.
3. Step 3: Grease a baking dish with olive oil and arrange the meatballs evenly apart.
4. Step 4: Bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through and browned on the outside.
5. Step 5: While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce: in a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and minced garlic. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Reduce the heat and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until smooth.
7. Step 7: Pour the spinach Alfredo sauce over the baked meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly.
8. Step 8: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh spinach for a brighter flavor, or frozen if you need convenience—just be sure to drain any excess water.
• For a lower-fat Alfredo sauce, substitute half-and-half or use a plant-based milk with a thickener like cornstarch.
• Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
• To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts as a substitute.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to preserve the creamy texture of the sauce. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly and will create a similar texture and flavor while making the dish slightly lighter.

Is it possible to make these meatballs dairy-free?

To make the recipe dairy-free, substitute the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use a non-dairy milk such as almond or cashew milk for the Alfredo sauce, thickened with a bit of cornstarch or flour.

Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 316 reviews

Delight in these Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs served with a creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce that perfectly balances rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. This hearty dish pairs tender baked meatballs made from ground chicken and ricotta with a luscious garlic-infused Alfredo sauce, enhanced by fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Ideal for a comforting family dinner with a healthy twist.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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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

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the meatballs to golden perfection.
2. Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs, then shape into medium-sized meatballs.
3. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and arrange the meatballs evenly spaced apart.
4. Bake Meatballs: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes, until they are fully cooked through and have a nicely browned exterior.
5. Make Alfredo Sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and minced garlic, simmering for about 5 minutes until the cream thickens slightly.
6. Finish Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
7. Coat Meatballs: Pour the spinach Alfredo sauce over the baked meatballs and gently toss them to ensure each meatball is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Bake Again: Return the meatballs with sauce to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a fresh finish, and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Substitute ground turkey for chicken to reduce fat content.
• Use part-skim ricotta and half-and-half to lighten the sauce if desired.
• Frozen spinach should be thoroughly thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in meatballs.
• To make this recipe vegetarian, use a plant-based meat substitute and flax egg, plus plant-based dairy alternatives.
• For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free panko.
• Roasted garlic can be used instead of raw minced garlic for a sweeter, richer flavor in the sauce.
• Ensure meatballs are evenly sized for uniform cooking.

Keywords: baked chicken meatballs, ricotta meatballs, spinach alfredo sauce, Southern style chicken recipe, healthy baked meatballs, creamy alfredo sauce, easy dinner recipes