If you’re looking for a recipe that combines indulgent comfort food with a touch of elegance, Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a must-try. This dish brings together juicy, flavorful chicken meatballs, infused with the creamy richness of ricotta cheese, and a velvety spinach Alfredo sauce that’s bursting with garlicky goodness. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create this restaurant-quality meal at home, from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to serving tips and variations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: The ricotta in the meatballs and the Alfredo sauce create a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Packed with Flavor: Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning bring bold flavors to both the meatballs and the sauce.
Nutritious: Fresh spinach adds a dose of greens, making this dish a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Versatile: Serve it over pasta for a hearty dinner or pair it with spiralized veggies for a low-carb option.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the meatballs and sauce in advance for quick, easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients for Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken: Provides a lean, protein-packed base.
½ cup ricotta cheese: Adds moisture and a creamy texture to the meatballs.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Enhances flavor and complements the ricotta.
1 egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
½ cup breadcrumbs: Adds structure and keeps the meatballs tender.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance flavor.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs for a classic, savory taste.

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter: The base for the sauce, adding richness.
1 clove garlic, minced: For a fragrant, garlicky aroma.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates a creamy, smooth consistency.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a savory, cheesy flavor.
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds freshness, color, and nutrients.
Salt and pepper to taste: To season the sauce perfectly.

Additional:

Cooked pasta: For serving. Options include fettuccine, spaghetti, or a low-carb alternative like zucchini noodles.

How to Make Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure your meatballs bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly golden on the outside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Prepare the Spinach Alfredo Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve

Place the cooked pasta or your chosen base in serving bowls.
Add the meatballs on top and generously ladle the spinach Alfredo sauce over them.
Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley, if desired.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Dish

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach, high-quality ricotta, and freshly grated Parmesan will elevate the flavor of the dish.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of milk or chicken broth.
Don’t Overmix Meatballs: Overmixing can make the meatballs dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Add Extra Greens: You can include kale or arugula for more greens and flavor variety.

Serving Suggestions

Pasta: Classic fettuccine or spaghetti pairs beautifully with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Low-Carb Options: Serve over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or steamed broccoli for a keto-friendly meal.
Sides: A crisp green salad or garlic bread completes the meal perfectly.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Gently reheat the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened.
Freezing: Freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 425 kcal
Protein: High in protein from chicken and cheese.
Carbs: Low-carb with gluten-free breadcrumbs or vegetable noodles.
Fats: Healthy fats from the ricotta, Parmesan, and cream.

Variations and Customizations

Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast as substitutes for heavy cream and Parmesan.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Why Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a Must-Try

This dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of rich, creamy indulgence paired with the lightness of spinach and the satisfying flavor of chicken meatballs. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a romantic dinner, or simply treating yourself, this recipe guarantees a memorable dining experience.