Indulge in a delightful meal featuring savory chicken ricotta meatballs paired with a rich spinach Alfredo sauce. This dish combines the lightness of chicken with the creaminess of ricotta, all enveloped in a luxurious sauce that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional:
- Cooked pasta, for serving
Directions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
2. Make the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake the Meatballs:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly golden brown.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens.
5. Finish the Sauce:
Add the chopped spinach to the sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the sauce achieves a creamy consistency.
6. Serve:
To serve, arrange the cooked pasta on a plate, top with the baked chicken ricotta meatballs, and generously drizzle with the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. Enjoy this satisfying dish!
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 480 per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
This comforting recipe is a wonderful way to bring gourmet flavors to your dinner table with ease. The combination of tender chicken meatballs and rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce with fresh spinach will leave everyone asking for seconds.