Description

A flavorful Southern-style dish featuring baked chicken ricotta meatballs paired with a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. This recipe combines tender ground chicken with ricotta and spinach, baked to perfection and topped with a rich, cheesy sauce that elevates the classic meatball experience.

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)
1 tablespoon Olive Oil (lightly coat the baking dish to prevent sticking)
2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs (chopped parsley or basil for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatballs.
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 maintain a tender texture.
Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into medium-sized meatballs using your hands or a scoop for even sizing.
Grease Baking Dish: Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
Bake Meatballs: Arrange meatballs evenly in the baking dish, ensuring space between each. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
Make Spinach Alfredo Sauce: While meatballs bake, heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add heavy cream and minced garlic, simmering for about 5 minutes until the cream thickens slightly.
Add Cheese and Seasoning: Reduce heat to low, whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until smooth and well combined.
Coat Meatballs: Pour the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce over the baked meatballs in the baking dish and gently toss or spoon to coat each meatball evenly.
Bake Again: Return the coated meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or basil over the top, and serve warm.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey and part-skim ricotta cheese.
Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber and a heartier texture.
Roasted garlic can be used instead of raw minced garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor in the sauce.
A flaxseed egg substitute can make this recipe vegan-friendly if using plant-based ricotta and cream alternatives.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or over pasta for a complete Southern-inspired meal.

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

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