This was my absolute favorite dish back in the day. I couldn’t get enough and always asked my mom to whip it up.
This recipe pairs tender, moist Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with a creamy, herby Spinach Alfredo Sauce for a comforting and flavorful Southern-inspired meal.
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Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Ground chicken | 1 lb |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Grated Parmesan cheese (for meatballs) | 1/2 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Chopped fresh parsley | 1/4 cup |
| Salt (for meatballs) | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper (for meatballs) | 1/2 tsp |
| Paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| Olive oil (for meatballs) | 3 tbsp |
| Fresh spinach (chopped) | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce) | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt and pepper (for sauce) | To taste |
| Olive oil (for sauce) | 1 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Meatball Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400∘F(200∘C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup parsley, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika. Mix until well combined.
- Step 3: Shape and Drizzle: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle each meatball with 3 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 4: Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned (internal temperature of 165∘F/74∘C).
Spinach Alfredo Sauce Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté Spinach: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 2 cups chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 2: Build the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup milk, whisking continuously to combine.
- Step 3: Season and Thicken: Add 1/4 tsp nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to a rich, creamy consistency. Remove from heat.
Bringing It All Together: Plating and Serving
- Step 1: Coat Meatballs: Once the meatballs have finished baking, carefully place them into the skillet with the prepared Spinach Alfredo Sauce, gently tossing to coat them evenly in the sauce.
- Step 2: Serve: Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles.
