Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

A warm aroma fills your kitchen as the savory scent of baked chicken ricotta meatballs wafts through the air. This recipe for Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce takes just about 45 minutes from start to finish and works well because it combines the heartiness of meatballs with a creamy, flavorful sauce.

This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. You can make the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to two days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The meatballs are tender and juicy, thanks to the ricotta cheese.
• The creamy spinach Alfredo sauce complements the meatballs perfectly.
• It’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze.
• Easily customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delightful dish.

For the Meatballs

• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 medium onion, very finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1.5 lb ground chicken (or ground turkey)
• 6 oz whole milk ricotta (approximately ¾ cup)
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt (or as needed)

For the Sauce

• 6 bacon strips
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cup heavy cream (35% fat)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 5 oz baby spinach (approximately 150 grams)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, to garnish

Note: Ground turkey is a good low-fat substitute for ground chicken.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken can be replaced with turkey.
• Heavy cream can be swapped for half-and-half.
• Sun-dried tomatoes can be replaced with roasted red peppers.
• Fresh parsley can be substituted with basil or oregano.

How to Make It

Here’s how to whip up these delicious meatballs and sauce.

1. Preheat

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

2. Prepare Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and become soft.

3. Mix Ingredients

Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, ground chicken or turkey, ricotta, egg, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and salt to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix until combined.

4. Form Meatballs

Scoop out the meat mixture and form into balls, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake Meatballs

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly golden. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) indicates doneness.

6. Cook Bacon

For the sauce, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels and chop.

7. Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

8. Simmer Cream

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.

9. Add Cheese and Spinach

Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add baby spinach and cook until wilted.

10. Combine

Add baked meatballs to the sauce. Toss to coat, then simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Garnish with bacon and parsley.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezer: Yes, meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.
• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
• If meatballs are too wet to form, add a touch more breadcrumbs.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over a bed of pasta or zoodles.
• Pair with garlic bread for a full meal experience.
• Perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasions.