These Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are tender, juicy, and full of rich flavor. Paired with a creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce, this dish is comfort food at its finest. Whether served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, this hearty and satisfying meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & creamy – The Alfredo sauce is indulgently smooth and packed with flavor.
- Juicy & tender meatballs – Ricotta cheese keeps the meatballs moist and soft.
- Easy to prepare – Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and minimal prep.
- Versatile – Serve over pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Crowd-pleaser – A family-friendly dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken – Lean and flavorful.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – Adds moisture and richness.
- 1 egg – Helps bind the meatballs together.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Enhances the savory flavor.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs – Provides structure to the meatballs.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds a delicious aromatic depth.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped – Brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a touch of heat.
- ½ teaspoon paprika – Gives a warm, slightly smoky flavor.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil – For drizzling and cooking.
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped – Adds a nutritious and flavorful element.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Creates the creamy Alfredo base.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for richness.
- ½ cup milk – Helps thin the sauce slightly.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg – Adds a subtle warmth.
- Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning.
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
3. Form the Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the meatballs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Prepare the Spinach:
- While the meatballs are baking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- To the skillet, add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Combine the Meatballs and Sauce:
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
Variations
- Low-carb option – Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash instead of pasta.
- Add mushrooms – Sauté mushrooms with the spinach for extra flavor.
- Use different cheeses – Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
- Spicy twist – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked meatballs separately from the sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and bake the meatballs ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze them until ready to use.
Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or mascarpone as a substitute, though the texture may slightly vary.
What’s the best pasta to serve with this dish?
Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work best, as they hold the creamy Alfredo sauce well.
Can I make this without dairy?
Yes, swap the ricotta and Parmesan for dairy-free alternatives, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Conclusion
These Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce are creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you serve them over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Perfect for a cozy family meal or a special occasion!
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Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce
These Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce are a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish. Juicy, tender chicken meatballs made with ricotta are baked to perfection and tossed in a rich, garlicky spinach Alfredo sauce. Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
-
Form the Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Bake the Meatballs:
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the meatballs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
-
Prepare the Spinach:
- While the meatballs bake, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
-
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the spinach.
- Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Combine the Meatballs and Sauce:
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash instead of pasta.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with the spinach for extra depth.
- Cheese Variations: Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, Italian-inspired
