Ingredients
For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Directions
For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Using your hands, gently mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling the Dish:
- Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the spinach Alfredo sauce, gently stirring to coat.
- Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Cooking spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Food and Drink Pairings
Pair these Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled Chardonnay for a complete meal that’s sure to impress. The bright acidity of the wine complements the creamy richness of the sauce perfectly.