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