Description

Delight in these Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs smothered in a creamy, flavorful Spinach Alfredo Sauce. This wholesome and comforting dish combines lean ground chicken with rich ricotta and spinach, baked to perfection and finished with a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the meatballs evenly and thoroughly.
Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender, then shape into medium-sized meatballs.
Grease Baking Dish: Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil to prevent the meatballs from sticking during baking and to add a subtle richness.
Bake Meatballs: Place the meatballs evenly spaced in the baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
Make Spinach Alfredo Sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat a saucepan over medium heat and combine heavy cream with minced garlic. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the cream thickens slightly.
Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Reduce the heat to low, then whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the sauce is smooth and flavorful.
Coat Meatballs: Remove the baking dish from the oven, pour the creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce over the meatballs, and gently toss them to coat evenly with the luscious sauce.
Finish Baking: Return the coated meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through the sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil, and serve warm for a comforting and delicious meal.

Notes

For a lighter meatball, substitute ground turkey for chicken.
Use part-skim ricotta to reduce fat content without sacrificing creaminess.
Frozen spinach should be thawed and excess moisture squeezed out to prevent sogginess.
Whole wheat breadcrumbs add a nuttier flavor and extra fiber.
For a vegan alternative, replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture and use plant-based ricotta and dairy substitutes.
Roasted garlic can be used instead of raw for a sweeter, milder garlic flavor in the sauce.
To make the sauce dairy-free, use a plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan alternatives.
Ensure meatballs are cooked through by checking they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: chicken meatballs, baked meatballs, Italian seasoning, spinach alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, southern style recipe, healthy chicken meatballs