Introduction

These Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce combine tender, flavorful meatballs with a creamy, garlicky sauce. They make a comforting and impressive dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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. 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

Use turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
For a vegan alternative, replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture and use plant-based ricotta and cream.
Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added to the meatball mixture for extra freshness.
Substitute whole wheat breadcrumbs for added texture and nutrition.
Roasted garlic can be used instead of fresh minced garlic for a sweeter depth of flavor in the sauce.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well. Be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing it into the meatballs to avoid sogginess.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs pair beautifully with pasta, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables. A simple green salad also complements the richness of the dish.

Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 130 reviews

These Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are tender and flavorful, paired with a rich and creamy Spinach Alfredo sauce. Baked to perfection, the meatballs combine ground chicken with ricotta and spinach for a comforting yet light dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The luscious Alfredo sauce, infused with garlic and Parmesan, coats the meatballs beautifully, while fresh herbs provide a burst of freshness.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

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 the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs evenly and to get a beautiful browned crust.
Mix meatball ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, and egg. Stir gently until just combined to keep the mixture light and tender. Then, shape into medium-sized meatballs.
Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a baking dish using olive oil or butter to prevent sticking and ensure the meatballs cook evenly.
Bake the meatballs: Arrange the formed meatballs evenly in the prepared dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
Make the 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.
Add cheese and seasoning: Lower the heat and whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with the Italian seasoning, blending until smooth and creamy.
Combine sauce and meatballs: Remove the meatballs from the oven and pour the Spinach Alfredo sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each meatball thoroughly with the sauce.
Bake again to meld flavors: Return the sauced meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken further.
Garnish and serve: Take the dish out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or basil on top for color and freshness, and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute turkey for chicken and use part-skim ricotta and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Fresh spinach gives a brighter flavor, but frozen spinach works well if drained thoroughly.
Using whole wheat breadcrumbs adds fiber and a nuttier flavor.
Roasted garlic can replace minced for a milder, sweeter taste in the Alfredo sauce.
For a vegan adaptation, replace egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based cheeses and milk alternatives.

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