Description
Hearty chicken ricotta meatballs dance in a creamy spinach alfredo sauce, bringing Italian comfort to your dinner table. Parmesan-crusted and packed with flavor, these tender morsels will make you crave seconds at first bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Cheeses:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Craft succulent chicken meatballs by combining ground chicken with creamy ricotta, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, whisked egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of seasoning in a generous mixing bowl.
- Thoroughly blend ingredients with gentle folding motions until uniformly incorporated, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Carefully shape the mixture into uniform spherical portions, approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter, positioning them strategically on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Activate the oven to 400F (200C) and position the meatball-laden tray inside, allowing them to roast until achieving a golden exterior and thoroughly cooked interior, approximately 18-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, initiate the sauce preparation by melting butter in a spacious skillet over moderate heat, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer while gradually incorporating Parmesan cheese through a whisking motion.
- Introduce fresh, roughly chopped spinach leaves into the developing sauce, allowing them to wilt and integrate seamlessly.
- Season the Alfredo sauce with delicate hints of nutmeg, complemented by judicious amounts of salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Transfer the freshly roasted meatballs directly into the prepared spinach-infused Alfredo sauce, gently coating each morsel to ensure complete coverage.
- Present the dish atop your preferred accompaniment, whether traditional pasta, delicate zucchini noodles, or accompanied by a rustic slice of crusty bread.
Notes
- Customize meatball moisture by adjusting ricotta amount; too much can make them soggy, while too little might result in dry meatballs.
- Swap ground chicken with turkey or lean beef for varied protein options and different flavor profiles.
- Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.
- Reduce sauce calories by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, maintaining creamy texture while cutting fat content.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg