Indulge in the perfect fusion of tender, cheesy chicken ricotta meatballs paired with a rich, creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. Served over your favorite pasta, this dish is a hearty, flavor-packed option that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Whether for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: The Alfredo sauce is lusciously smooth, packed with Parmesan and the subtle earthiness of fresh spinach.
Moist Meatballs: Ricotta cheese ensures the chicken meatballs are tender and juicy every time.
One-Pan Wonder: Bake the meatballs and make the sauce while the pasta cooks for an easy, efficient dinner.
Family Favorite: This dish feels fancy but is comforting and kid-friendly, making it a hit for weeknights or special occasions.

Key Ingredients

Ground Chicken: The lean protein base for the meatballs, offering a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy sauces.

Ricotta Cheese: Adds moisture and creaminess to the meatballs, preventing them from drying out during baking.

Parmesan Cheese: Used in both the meatballs and the sauce, Parmesan brings a nutty, savory richness to the dish.

Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color, texture, and a boost of nutrients to the Alfredo sauce.

Heavy Cream: Creates the silky base for the Alfredo sauce, blending beautifully with the Parmesan.

Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs that infuses the meatballs with a classic, aromatic flavor profile.

Garlic: Essential in both the meatballs and the sauce, garlic adds depth and warmth to the dish.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set the Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready to bake the meatballs evenly.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 minced garlic cloves
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix everything together until well combined. Using your hands can help mix the ingredients more evenly.

Form Meatballs:
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
Tip: Dampen your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking.
Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Bake Until Golden:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly golden on the outside.

Step 4: Prepare the Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Be careful not to burn the butter.

Sauté Garlic:
Add 1 minced garlic clove to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

Add Cream and Parmesan:
Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.

Incorporate Spinach:
Add 2 cups chopped fresh spinach to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook until the spinach is wilted and well combined with the sauce.
Optional Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of white wine for extra depth.

Step 5: Serve

Combine and Serve:
Plate your favorite cooked pasta, then top with the baked chicken ricotta meatballs. Generously ladle the Spinach Alfredo Sauce over the meatballs and pasta.

Garnish:
Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley over the top for a finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Pairing: Serve the meatballs and sauce over fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne for a hearty Italian-inspired meal.
Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or roasted spaghetti squash.
Garlic Bread: Pair with crusty garlic bread or a side of focaccia to soak up the creamy sauce.
Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.
Freeze: Freeze the baked meatballs separately from the sauce. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and combining with freshly made sauce.

Variations

Cheesy Boost: Stuff the meatballs with small cubes of mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy center.
Herb Swap: Add fresh basil or oregano to the meatball mixture for a garden-fresh flavor.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the Alfredo sauce for a hint of heat.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with mashed chickpeas or crumbled tofu in the meatballs for a plant-based twist.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and serve with gluten-free pasta.

Final Note

These Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce are the ultimate combination of comfort and elegance. Creamy, tender, and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!