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Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 35–50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a plate of tender, juicy meatballs, especially when they’re smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. Today, we’re taking meatballs to the next level with these Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce—a dish that’s light yet indulgent, comforting yet elegant, and anything but ordinary.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for baking)

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, but adds depth)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat!
  3. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form 1.5-inch meatballs, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Drizzle or lightly brush with olive oil to help with browning.
  5. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).

Step 2: Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce

  1. While the meatballs bake, heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream, whisking to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Add chopped spinach, cooking just until wilted. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

  1. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, gently coating them.
  2. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Notes

  • Use fresh ricotta for the best texture—drain any excess liquid if it’s too watery.
  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture, or the meatballs may become dense.
  • If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.
  • These meatballs taste even better the next day as the flavors meld!
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg