Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the meatballs to golden perfection.
- 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.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and arrange the meatballs evenly spaced apart.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake Again: Return the meatballs with sauce to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
- 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
