Creamy Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Alfredo Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Alfredo is a comforting and creamy dish that combines tender meatballs with a rich Alfredo sauce. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, and chopped spinach until evenly mixed. Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and lightly browned. Once done, transfer the meatballs to a pan and gently toss them with the Alfredo sauce over low heat until warmed through. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh or frozen spinach, just make sure to drain any excess moisture if using frozen to prevent soggy meatballs.
• For added flavor, season the meatball mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper before baking.
• Try adding shredded Parmesan cheese to the Alfredo sauce for an extra cheesy touch.

Storage

Store any leftover meatballs and Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute and will provide a similar texture and flavor profile for the meatballs.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can shape and bake the meatballs in advance, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before tossing with sauce and serving.

Creamy Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Alfredo Recipe

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4.6 from 114 reviews

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Alfredo is a creamy and savory Italian-inspired dish featuring tender ground chicken meatballs mixed with ricotta cheese and spinach, baked to perfection, then tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce. This comforting recipe combines protein and greens in a flavorful sauce that’s perfect served over pasta or enjoyed on its own.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Meatballs

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Sauce

• 1 1/2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into uniform, golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
4. Toss with Alfredo sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, gently transfer them to a large skillet or saucepan. Pour Alfredo sauce over the meatballs and simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes to heat the sauce thoroughly and allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve: Serve the chicken ricotta meatballs Alfredo warm, over cooked pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables as desired.

Notes

• You can use fresh or frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture if using frozen.
• For a lower-fat option, use a light Alfredo sauce or substitute with a homemade yogurt-based sauce.
• Ensure the meatballs are cooked fully to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
• These meatballs can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
• Leftover meatballs with sauce can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Chicken meatballs, Ricotta, Alfredo sauce, Spinach, Italian dinner, Baked meatballs, Creamy pasta sauce