Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Spinach

This recipe for chicken ricotta meatballs in spinach Alfredo sauce brings pure comfort to your table with its combination of tender juicy meatballs and a silky rich sauce. The soft ricotta lends moisture to every bite and the touch of spinach not only colors but lightens the whole dish. These meatballs are hearty enough for cozy family dinners but impressive enough when you want to serve something special with little fuss.

I first made this recipe when we needed something a bit extra on a cold night and my husband immediately asked for it again the next week. Now these meatballs are the go to when we celebrate milestones or just want to treat ourselves.

Ingredients

• Italian breadcrumbs: provide structure and absorb savory moisture choose golden tan crumbs with a fresh smell
• Milk: softens breadcrumbs for a juicy consistency whole or two percent are best for creamy texture
• Onion: brings subtle sweetness and blended softness pick a fresh firm onion
• Fresh parsley: makes everything taste clean and lively select bright leafy bunches
• Sun dried tomatoes: add a punch of savory flavor oil packed have the best taste and texture
• Ground chicken or turkey: offers a lean canvas for flavors fresh ground gives the best texture
• Whole milk ricotta: makes the meatballs extra tender stick with whole milk for creamy results
• Egg: binds everything together use a fresh large egg
• Parmesan cheese: delivers salty richness grate it fresh for better flavor and melt
• Italian seasoning: layers gentle herb notes make sure your spice is vibrant and aromatic
• Salt: wakes up all the flavors fine sea salt is easiest to control
• Bacon: deepens the sauce with smoky notes opt for thick cut high quality bacon
• Butter: forms the base of the Alfredo sauce real unsalted butter gives balanced flavor
• Garlic: infuses the sauce with aroma and warmth make sure it is fresh and not sprouting
• Heavy cream: creates that silky lush sauce choose one with at least thirty five percent fat
• Pepper: rounds out the flavors and gives subtle heat crack your own for brightness
• Baby spinach: brings a pop of color and gentle earthiness look for crisp fresh leaves
• Fresh parsley: finishes the dish with color and herbal lift

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred thirty five degrees Celsius and prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper This prevents sticking and promotes even browning

Soak Breadcrumbs:

In a medium bowl combine breadcrumbs with milk Let stand for two minutes until soaked which is key for juicy meatballs

Process Vegetables:

Use a food processor to finely chop onion garlic parsley and sun dried tomatoes Pulse until the pieces are uniform and cohesive

Mix Meatball Base:

Move chopped veggies to a large bowl Add the ground chicken soaked breadcrumbs egg ricotta Parmesan cheese Italian seasoning and salt Use your hands to gently bring the mixture together mixing just until everything is combined

Shape Meatballs:

With damp hands form about eighteen to twenty meatballs each about two and a half inches across Place them evenly on your prepared baking sheet and mist with a bit of oil to encourage browning

Bake Meatballs:

Slide the tray into your hot oven and bake fifteen to twenty minutes The outside should turn golden and slightly crisp while the inside remains moist

Make Bacon and Sauce:

In a large skillet cook bacon strips over medium heat until crisp Remove bacon and set aside Discard all but a little bacon fat then add butter to melt on medium low Add minced garlic and sauté until just fragrant Pour in heavy cream season with salt and pepper and whisk in Parmesan until melted and smooth Add spinach and stir until wilted

Simmer and Finish:

Nestle baked meatballs into the sauce and let everything simmer together for a couple minutes so flavors mingle Keep the heat low so meatballs stay moist

Plate and Garnish:

Spoon meatballs and sauce over your chosen base like pasta or polenta Top with chopped crispy bacon and fresh parsley for a bright finish

Pin

Every time I add the sun dried tomatoes people ask what makes the flavor so unique They give each bite a tangy savoriness that brightens up the richness My favorite memory is when my niece helped me roll the meatballs and could not resist sneaking bites from the bowl That moment makes this dish extra special to my family

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for three days or freeze for up to two months When reheating add a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce velvety and avoid overheating so everything stays tender

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of ground chicken ground turkey works almost identically For a ricotta substitute blend cottage cheese until smooth and creamy Gluten free eaters can use their favorite gluten free breadcrumbs in place of standard ones

Pin

Serving Suggestions

Ladle these meatballs and their creamy spinach sauce over tagliatelle or zesty lemon pasta Serve with creamy polenta for a comfort food twist For parties set up a build your own bowl bar with extra herbs lemon zest and Parmesan so everyone makes their perfect bowl

Cultural Background

Inspired by Italian flavors with an American comfort food twist these meatballs blend the spirit of classic meatball dishes with creamy Alfredo and a lighter protein base My family enjoys the marriage of Old World heartiness and modern freshness

These chicken ricotta meatballs in spinach Alfredo sauce are always the highlight of our table They are equally at home on a weeknight or when you have guests and I promise the leftovers will not last long

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes the meatballs tender and moist?

The addition of ricotta cheese and soaked breadcrumbs keeps the chicken meatballs juicy and tender throughout baking.

→ Can I use another type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute for similar texture and flavor.

→ How do I prepare the spinach Alfredo sauce?

The sauce is made by sautéing garlic in butter, then whisking in heavy cream and Parmesan until silky, finishing with fresh spinach wilted gently into the sauce.

→ What’s the best way to bake the meatballs evenly?

Use a parchment-lined baking sheet and keep the meatballs spaced apart to allow even air circulation and browning.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, the meatballs can be prepared in advance and gently reheated in the sauce before serving to maintain their moist texture.

→ What dishes pair well with this chicken and spinach combination?

This preparation goes beautifully with pasta tossed in lemon zest, creamy polenta, or crusty toasted bread to soak up the sauce.