Description
This Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce combines tender, flavorful chicken meatballs enriched with creamy ricotta and spinach, baked to perfection and coated in a luscious homemade spinach Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting and wholesome meal that brings a delicious Southern twist to classic meatballs, perfect for a hearty family dinner or special 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 prepare for baking the meatballs evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix gently until just combined to ensure tender meatballs without overworking the mixture.
- Form Meatballs and Prepare Baking Dish: Form medium-sized meatballs from the mixture. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking and place the meatballs evenly apart to allow proper heat circulation during baking.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until they are cooked through and browned nicely on the outside, indicating they are done.
- Make Spinach Alfredo Sauce: While the meatballs bake, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and minced garlic. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until smooth and velvety.
- Coat Meatballs with Sauce: Pour the prepared spinach Alfredo sauce over the baked meatballs, gently tossing them to ensure they are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Final Bake: Return the sauced meatballs back to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to set slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish the meatballs with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil, and serve warm for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken for a leaner option.
- Using part-skim ricotta cheese helps reduce fat while maintaining creaminess.
- Frozen spinach should be thawed and squeezed dry to prevent excess moisture.
- For a vegan alternative, replace the egg with a flaxseed egg and use plant-based ricotta and cream substitutes.
- To add more depth, try roasting garlic before mincing it for the sauce.
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber and a heartier texture.
- Ensure meatballs are spaced well on the baking dish for even cooking and browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: chicken meatballs, ricotta cheese, spinach Alfredo sauce, baked meatballs, Southern style, creamy sauce, healthy dinner
