Name: Savory Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat); 1 large egg; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried); 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to transform humble ingredients into something spectacular, tta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is about to become your next crave-worthy obsession! Succulent chicken meatballs, creamy ricotta, and zesty spices bake up golden and tender, while the silkiest spinach Alfredo sauce elevates every bite. Whether you’re after a delicious weeknight dinner, meal prep marvel, or showstopping crowd-pleaser, this dish offers comfort and sophistication in every forkful. Prepare to fall in love at first bite—the tta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce are decadent, surprisingly simple, and sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Savory Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce
- Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may be easy to find, but every single one helps layer irresistible flavor and texture into the tta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce. Trust me, you don’t want to skimp—a creamy bite of ricotta here, a nutty burst of Parmesan there, and you’re set!

Ground chicken: Delivers a light, juicy meatball that lets all the other flavors shine.
Ricotta cheese: Keeps every meatball ultra-moist and offers a touch of delicate creaminess.
Parmesan cheese: Brings big, bold, umami-rich flavor to both the meatballs and the Alfredo.
Breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat): Hold everything together and add a little hearty texture.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients for picture-perfect, tender meatballs.
Garlic (minced): Doubles down for flavor in both the meatballs and sauce—don’t hold back!
Italian seasoning: Instantly adds that classic herbaceous warmth you know and love.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
Fresh parsley (or dried): Adds a pop of freshness and color.
Fresh spinach: The star of your Alfredo—wilted and stirred in for gorgeous green flecks.
Heavy cream: Builds a luxuriously rich, velvety Alfredo base.
Butter: For melting into that glossy, decadent sauce!
Nutmeg (optional): A tiny sprinkle completely transforms the Alfredo—try it and prepare to be amazed.
Extra Parmesan & parsley for garnish: Never skip that finishing touch!

How to Make tta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Preheat for Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This gives your tta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce a jumpstart so they bake up golden on the outside and juicy inside. A hot oven is key to locking in all that flavor!

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Magic

Grab a large mixing bowl and add in your ground chicken, creamy ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix just until combined—a gentle hand keeps your meatballs extra tender and not tough. This step lays the flavor-packed foundation of your tta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce, so inhale those herby, cheesy aromas and get excited!

Step 3: Shape & Arrange

Moisten your hands and shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Space them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they cook evenly and get that signature golden crust. You should see about 16-18 beautiful rounds ready for the oven!

Step 4: Bake to Golden Goodness

Bake the meatballs for 25–30 minutes until they’re firm, cooked through, and just starting to brown. The aroma should fill your kitchen—try to resist snacking right off the tray! Letting them finish in the oven gives them time to develop that perfect texture.

Step 5: Start the Spinach Alfredo Sauce

As the meatballs bake, turn your attention to the dreamy spinach Alfredo. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, then sauté the garlic for about a minute until fragrant. This is where you start building the soul of the sauce.

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach

Stir in your chopped spinach, letting it wilt and shrink down in the skillet. It adds vibrant color and subtle earthiness to your tta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce—don’t worry if it looks like a lot at first, it cooks down beautifully!

Step 7: Creamy Alfredo Finish

Lower your heat and pour in the heavy cream. Gradually add the grated Parmesan, stirring continuously so it all melts into a silky, cohesive sauce. If you’re using nutmeg, sprinkle it in now for a subtle hint of warmth. Season with salt and pepper, and you’ll have yourself a velvet-smooth Alfredo to remember.

Step 8: Marry Meatballs and Sauce

Once the meatballs are done, gently lift them into the skillet with the Alfredo. Toss them so every nook gets coated in green-flecked, cheesy goodness. The contrast of crisp meatball edges with luscious sauce is simply divine!

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Transfer everything to your serving platter, top with even more Parmesan and sprinkle that fresh parsley for a finishing flourish. It’s time to gather your favorite people—tta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce are ready to wow!

How to Serve tta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Garnishes

The best way to finish this dish is by showering it with extra grated Parmesan cheese for a nutty, salty kick and a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley. These fresh toppings brighten and lift the creamy richness, adding freshness and curb appeal to each serving of tta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce.

Side Dishes

The flavors of savory chicken, spinach, and Alfredo lend themselves perfectly to plenty of accompaniments. Serve over a bed of buttery fettuccine, creamy mashed potatoes, or even pillowy polenta. A crisp, lemony salad or roasted vegetables make a fabulous (and colorful!) contrast for your tta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling your meatballs into toasted sub rolls for a decadent sandwich, or spooning them over zucchini noodles for a lighter twist. These meatballs also shine as party appetizers—just arrange them on a platter with toothpicks and a little extra sauce for dipping. However you serve them, tta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce always look and taste like a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra tta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Both the meatballs and sauce keep their wonderful texture, and the flavors deepen even more overnight!

Freezing

For longer storage, cool the meatballs and sauce completely, then transfer to freezer-safe zip bags or containers. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. To save space, you can freeze meatballs and sauce separately and combine when serving.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm everything together in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened. Microwave reheating works too—just cover loosely and stir every 30 seconds for even warming. Always heat through until piping hot for the best taste and texture!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in tta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce, providing a similar texture and lightness. Just be sure to use ground turkey with at least some fat for juicier meatballs.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the regular breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely crushed gluten-free crackers. The results are just as delightful—nobody will notice the difference.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

You sure can. Shape and bake the meatballs up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just rewarm them in the sauce—the tta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce will taste just as fresh as if you made them start to finish that day!

What can I use instead of ricotta?

If ricotta isn’t your thing or you don’t have any on hand, try cottage cheese (drained well), mascarpone, or even a bit of cream cheese. Each brings its own creaminess to the meatballs while keeping them moist and rich.

How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter take on tta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce, use part-skim ricotta and half-and-half in place of heavy cream. Serve atop spiralized vegetables or a crisp salad for a fresh-feeling meal that still brings all the comfort.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this unforgettable spin on Italian comfort food! Every batch of tta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce comes out bursting with flavor, creamy goodness, and a whole lot of joy. Gather your family or friends, get cooking, and make memories over a plateful of pure deliciousness—you’ll want to come back to this dish again and again!

Savory Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

★★★★★

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Savory Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a delicious twist on traditional meatballs, featuring a flavorful blend of ground chicken, ricotta cheese, and aromatic seasonings, served with a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix until fully combined.
Form Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each meatball.
Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and golden on the outside.
Make Spinach Alfredo Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Slowly add in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. If desired, sprinkle in nutmeg for added depth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, gently transfer them to the skillet with the Spinach Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.
Serve: Plate the meatballs and sauce, and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Enjoy with your favorite pasta, on top of a bed of greens, or with crusty bread!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking, Sauteing
Cuisine: Italian