Delicious Southern Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo

Welcome to a taste of Southern comfort with a twist! Get ready to indulge in the ultimate cozy meal with our Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo. These meatballs are a labor of love born out of a rainy day experiment that turned into a family favorite. The combination of juicy ground chicken and creamy ricotta cheese creates meatballs so tender and flavorful that they’ll have your guests begging for more.

The magic happens when these succulent chicken ricotta meatballs are paired with a velvety spinach Alfredo sauce that elevates them to a whole new level of comfort food luxury. Every bite is a symphony of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds and thirds. Impress your guests, or simply treat yourself to a special meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the warmth and richness of this Southern-inspired dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Quick Benefits

• Incredibly juicy meatballs that remain tender and moist even after baking in the oven
• Velvety spinach Alfredo sauce that adds a luxurious and creamy texture to the dish
• Versatile dish that can be served with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping
• Make-ahead convenience with the option to store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for emergency weeknight dinners

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Southern Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Recipe

• Tender and Juicy Meatballs: The combination of ground chicken and creamy ricotta cheese creates incredibly juicy meatballs that remain tender and flavorful, making them a standout dish.
• Luxurious Spinach Alfredo Sauce: The velvety spinach Alfredo sauce complements the meatballs perfectly, providing a rich and creamy element that elevates the dish to a comfort food luxury.
• Family and Guest Favorite: Guests and family members alike will be impressed by the tenderness and flavor of these meatballs, often prompting requests for the recipe and becoming a go-to dish for gatherings.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve the meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes for a Southern comfort food experience or opt for buttered egg noodles to catch all the silky sauce. They can even be served as appetizers with toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping.
• Customizable Flavors: Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy sweetness, fresh basil for a summer twist, or a pinch of sage for a seasonal touch. Adjust the seasonings with crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• Make-ahead and Freezer-friendly: Prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. The dish freezes well, making it convenient for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep for busy days.
• Popular Dish for Various Occasions: From casual family dinners to elegant dinner parties, these meatballs are a versatile and universally appealing dish that satisfies a range of palates. They are a standout choice for special events and gatherings.

Ingredients for Delicious Southern Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo

For the meatballs

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup milk

How to Make Delicious Southern Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make meatball mixture

Combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Form and bake meatballs

Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and arrange them on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Prepare spinach

While the meatballs bake, make the spinach Alfredo sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, around 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Make the sauce

Combine heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in the skillet. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens for 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Combine and serve

Transfer cooked meatballs to skillet with sauce, toss to coat evenly. Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, garnishing with parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Storage Tips

To store the Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the meatballs and sauce in a covered skillet with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture of the sauce.

For make-ahead convenience, you can shape the meatballs and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking. While the sauce is best made fresh, the entire dish can be frozen successfully. Consider making a double batch and freezing half for future quick and easy weeknight dinners. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed on various occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant dinner parties or even as a special dish for celebrations like baby showers. The flavors of these tender meatballs and creamy sauce only get better with time, making them a convenient and delicious meal option for a range of events.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make these chicken ricotta meatballs with spinach Alfredo but don’t have ground chicken on hand, ground turkey can be a suitable substitute. Keep in mind that ground turkey may result in slightly less tender meatballs compared to using ground chicken. Additionally, if you prefer a different cheese over ricotta, you could try using cottage cheese or even a creamy goat cheese for a unique twist. Experimenting with different cheeses can offer varying textures and flavors to the meatballs.

For a lighter spin on the spinach Alfredo sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk for a slightly less rich version. If you’re out of spinach, you can swap it with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. To add a pop of flavor to the meatballs, consider mixing in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or fresh basil to the mixture. These additions can provide a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce and meatballs. Remember to adjust seasonings accordingly to suit your taste preferences when making ingredient substitutions.

Serving Suggestions

These Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of creative ways. For a comforting Southern meal, try serving the meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the rich Alfredo sauce to blend with the fluffy potatoes for a decadent experience. If you prefer a lighter option, serve the meatballs over buttered egg noodles, allowing the ridges of the noodles to catch the silky sauce for a delightful texture contrast.

For a party-friendly option, serve these meatballs as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping. The creamy ricotta meatballs paired with the velvety spinach Alfredo sauce create a combination that will have your guests asking for the recipe in no time. To elevate the dish further, consider adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the meatball mixture for tangy sweetness, fresh basil to the sauce for a summery twist, or a pinch of sage for a fall-inspired flavor profile. Whether enjoyed fresh or the next day, these meatballs are sure to become a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion.

FAQs for Delicious Southern Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken in this recipe. However, ground chicken tends to result in more tender meatballs compared to ground turkey.

Can I freeze the baked meatballs with the spinach Alfredo sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the baked meatballs with the spinach Alfredo sauce. Simply store them in an airtight container in the freezer for future meals. Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of milk to revive the sauce.

How long can I store the leftovers in the refrigerator?

You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of milk to refresh the sauce when enjoying the leftovers.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the meatballs and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking. This make-ahead option provides convenience for busy days or when prepping for special occasions.

Conclusion

As you come to the end of preparing these delicious Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo, take a moment to appreciate the effort you’ve put into creating a dish that’s sure to bring joy to those around your table. The tender meatballs, creamy ricotta, and silky Alfredo sauce all come together in a comforting embrace of flavors that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.

Whether you’re serving these meatballs for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a special gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. The versatility and rich flavors of the Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo make them a standout dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family, and let the magic of these meatballs bring warmth and happiness to all who taste them.

Delicious Southern Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo

Juicy chicken ricotta meatballs baked to perfection and served with velvety spinach Alfredo – a luxurious comfort food that’s sure to impress.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time30 Minutes

Total Time50 Minutes

CuisineSouthern Italian-American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

For the meatballs

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Make meatball mixture: Combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly.
3. Form and bake meatballs: Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and arrange them on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Prepare spinach: While the meatballs bake, make the spinach Alfredo sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, around 3-4 minutes.
5. Make the sauce: Combine heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in the skillet. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens for 5-7 minutes.
6. Combine and serve: Transfer cooked meatballs to skillet with sauce, toss to coat evenly. Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, garnishing with parsley and Parmesan if desired.