Southern-Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

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Tender, juicy chicken meatballs loaded with creamy ricotta and herbs, baked to golden perfection, then smothered in a velvety spinach Alfredo sauce. This dish is comfort food at its finest—rich, flavorful, and perfect over pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Ultra-Moist Meatballs – Ricotta keeps them tender
✅ Creamy, Garlicky Sauce – Packed with spinach for a veggie boost
✅ Easy & Baked, Not Fried – Healthier but just as delicious
✅ Southern-Inspired Flavors – Comforting and satisfying

Ingredients

For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for GF)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For Serving (Optional):

  • Cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread
  • Extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. In a bowl, mix ground chicken, ricotta, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roll into 1.5-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake 18-20 minutes until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

  1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
  2. Pour in heavy cream and broth, simmering 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Stir in Parmesan, spinach, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until spinach wilts and sauce is smooth.

Step 3: Combine & Serve

  1. Add baked meatballs to the sauce, gently tossing to coat.
  2. Simmer 2-3 minutes to let flavors meld.
  3. Serve hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with bread.

Tips for the Best Meatballs

🔹 Extra Fluffy? Let the meatball mixture rest 10 minutes before shaping.
🔹 Crispier Meatballs? Broil 1-2 minutes at the end.
🔹 Make Ahead – Freeze unbaked meatballs for 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest for brightness.
  • Pair with a simple salad to balance the richness.

Final Thoughts

These Southern-Style Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce are creamy, savory, and utterly comforting—a hearty dish that feels like a hug on a plate!

Dig in and enjoy! 🍗🧀🌿

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