Introduction

These Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce are a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together tender meatballs and a creamy, garlicky sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, they offer a delightful twist on classic flavors with a healthy boost from spinach and ricotta.

Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

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

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

Tips & Variations

For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based milk like oat or almond milk.
Use fresh spinach for a brighter flavor, or frozen spinach if convenience is a priority; just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture.
Adding roasted garlic instead of raw can bring a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor to the Alfredo sauce.
Try turkey in place of chicken for a leaner meatball alternative.
For a vegan option, replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture and use plant-based ricotta and cream substitutes.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes, these meatballs freeze well. Place cooked and cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The Spinach Alfredo Sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove before combining with the meatballs to keep its creamy texture.

Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 499 reviews

These Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce combine tender, baked chicken meatballs with a rich and creamy spinach-infused Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this recipe balances protein-packed meatballs with flavorful cheese and herbs, baked to perfection and garnished with fresh herbs for a touch of brightness.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
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)

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)

Additional

1 tablespoon Olive Oil (lightly coat the baking dish to prevent sticking)
2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs (chopped parsley or basil for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix gently until just combined to maintain tenderness, then shape into medium-sized meatballs.
Prepare baking dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking and arrange the meatballs evenly spaced in the dish.
Bake the meatballs: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 25 to 30 minutes until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat a saucepan over medium heat and combine heavy cream and minced garlic. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add cheese and seasoning: Reduce the heat to low and whisk in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until smooth and well incorporated.
Coat the meatballs: Pour the prepared Spinach Alfredo Sauce over the baked meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
Bake again: Return the meatballs coated in sauce to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or basil, and serve warm for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Notes

You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a leaner version.
Using part-skim ricotta cheese can reduce fat content without sacrificing creaminess.
Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and texture, but frozen spinach works well if well-drained.
For a dairy-free alternative, replace heavy cream and cheese with plant-based options.
To keep it gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
Roasted garlic can be used instead of minced garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor in the sauce.
The meatballs can be prepared ahead and frozen before baking for easy meal prep.

Keywords: baked chicken meatballs, ricotta meatballs, spinach alfredo sauce, southern style meatballs, healthy chicken recipe, comfort food, baked meatballs, creamy spinach sauce