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Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 66 reviews

These Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and baked to perfection, then smothered in a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce that adds a luscious twist. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this recipe combines ground chicken with ricotta, spinach, and herbs, creating moist meatballs that bake easily in the oven. The rich Alfredo sauce, enhanced with Parmesan and Italian seasoning, rounds out the dish with a delightful southern flair.

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 plant-based milk if desired)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced, roasted garlic can add a sweeter flavor)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated adds depth of flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (can use fresh basil or oregano for freshness)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs (chopped parsley or basil for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the meatballs evenly.
  2. Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined to avoid overworking the meat, then form medium-sized meatballs.
  3. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent the meatballs from sticking during baking.
  4. Arrange Meatballs: Place the formed meatballs evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish, allowing space between each for even cooking.
  5. Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until they are cooked through and browned on the outside, indicating they are ready for the sauce.
  6. Make Alfredo Sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add heavy cream and minced garlic, then simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the sauce is smooth and flavorful.
  8. Coat Meatballs with Sauce: Remove the meatballs from the oven and pour the prepared spinach Alfredo sauce over them. Gently toss or spoon the sauce to coat the meatballs evenly.
  9. Final Bake: Return the sauced meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil, and serve warm for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey for chicken to make this recipe lighter without sacrificing flavor.
  • Using part-skim ricotta and half-and-half instead of heavy cream can reduce calories and fat.
  • For a vegan option, replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based ricotta and milk alternatives.
  • Fresh garlic provides a sharper flavor, while roasted garlic adds a sweeter depth to the Alfredo sauce.
  • Whole wheat breadcrumbs add more fiber and a heartier texture to the meatballs.
  • Ensure that the meatballs are evenly spaced during baking to allow proper heat circulation and even cooking.
  • The sauce can be made thicker by simmering longer, or thinned with a splash of milk or broth if preferred.

Keywords: chicken meatballs, ricotta meatballs, spinach Alfredo sauce, baked meatballs, Southern style chicken, healthy chicken meatballs, creamy sauce

Find it online: https://cookcrisis.com/southern-style-baked-chicken-ricotta-meatballs-with-spinach-alfredo-sauce-recipe/