Introduction

These Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce combine tender, flavorful meatballs with a creamy, garlicky sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests with its rich taste and simple preparation.

Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

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 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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix until just combined and form medium-sized meatballs.
Step 3: Grease a baking dish with olive oil and place the meatballs evenly apart.
Step 4: Bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and browned on the outside.
Step 5: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and minced garlic. Simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 6: Reduce heat and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until smooth.
Step 7: Pour the Spinach Alfredo Sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat evenly.
Step 8: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Step 9: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh spinach for a brighter flavor or frozen spinach for convenience; just be sure to drain excess moisture well.
Substitute ground turkey for a leaner meatball option without sacrificing flavor.
For a vegan alternative, replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture and use plant-based milk in the sauce.
Roast the garlic beforehand to add a sweeter, milder flavor to the Alfredo sauce.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. Bake the meatballs without the sauce, then refrigerate. Add sauce and bake the final 10 minutes just before serving.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce. A simple green salad also complements the meal nicely.

Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 120 reviews

A comforting Southern-style dish featuring baked chicken ricotta meatballs smothered in a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce, perfect for a hearty family dinner with a flavorful twist.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American
Diet: Low Fat

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’s ready for baking the meatballs evenly.
Mix Meatball Ingredients: 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.
Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking and arrange the meatballs evenly spaced apart to ensure even cooking.
Bake Meatballs: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes, until they are cooked through and have a golden-brown exterior.
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 and garlic infuses its flavor.
Finish Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Coat Meatballs: Remove the meatballs from the oven and pour the prepared Spinach Alfredo Sauce over them. Gently toss or spoon the sauce over meatballs to coat evenly.
Return to Oven: Place the sauced meatballs back in the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to meld with the meatballs and heat through.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil on top for a bright, fresh flavor, and serve warm for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Notes

Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a lighter protein option.
Substitute part-skim ricotta cheese to reduce fat content.
Whole wheat breadcrumbs add extra fiber and a heartier texture.
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and vegan cheese substitutes.
You can freeze cooked meatballs before adding sauce for a quick future meal.
Roasted garlic can be used instead of minced for a sweeter, milder flavor in the sauce.

Keywords: Southern Style, Baked Chicken Meatballs, Ricotta, Spinach Alfredo Sauce, Healthy, Comfort Food