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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.

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatballs evenly.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/southern-style-baked-chicken-ricotta-meatballs-with-spinach-alfredo-sauce-recipe/