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Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce


  • Author: Mary

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:

  • ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs

  • ½ cup milk

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped

  • 1.5 pounds ground chicken

  • 6 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese (about ¾ cup)

  • 1 large egg

  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • Salt, to taste

  • Cooking oil spray

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

  • 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 cups baby spinach leaves

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste


Instructions

 

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    • In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for about 2 minutes.

    • In a food processor, pulse the onion, garlic, parsley, and sun-dried tomatoes until finely chopped.

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped mixture, ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

  2. Form and Bake the Meatballs:

    • Shape the mixture into meatballs about 2.5 inches in diameter, yielding approximately 18-20 meatballs.

    • Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking oil.

    • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until they are crisp on the outside and cooked through.

  3. Prepare the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

    • While the meatballs are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped turkey bacon and cook until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet.

    • In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

    • Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 minutes.

    • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce.

    • Add the baby spinach leaves and cook for 1-2 minutes until they wilt.

    • Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.

  4. Combine and Serve:

    • Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, coating them evenly.

    • Sprinkle the crispy turkey bacon over the top.

    • Serve the meatballs and sauce over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.