Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce are a comforting blend of juicy chicken and creamy sauce, perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings.
1 lb (450g) ground chicken
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Preheat oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix until just combined.
Form meatballs:
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake meatballs:
Bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare spinach Alfredo sauce:
While the meatballs bake, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine:
Once the meatballs are done, combine them with the spinach Alfredo sauce and let them simmer together for 5 minutes before serving.
Customization: Feel free to add kale, sun-dried tomatoes, or any other veggies to the sauce for additional flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats to make the meatballs.
Meal Prep: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Cheese Variations: For a different flavor, try substituting the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or mozzarella cheese.
– For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats.
Keywords: Customize by swapping spinach with kale or adding sun-dried tomatoes. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats.