Description
Savory chicken ricotta meatballs swim in creamy spinach alfredo sauce, creating an Italian-inspired comfort classic. Delicate herbs and rich cheese elevate this hearty dish that brings Mediterranean warmth to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base:
- 1.5 pounds (700 grams) ground chicken or turkey
- 6 ounces (170 grams) whole milk ricotta
- 1 large egg
- 6 bacon strips
Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 medium onion, very finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cooking cream (35% fat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 ounces (150 grams) baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a high temperature and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal meatball roasting.
- Soften breadcrumbs by mixing with milk, allowing them to absorb liquid and create a tender texture for the meatballs.
- Create a flavor base by finely chopping onion, garlic, parsley, and sun-dried tomatoes in a food processor to ensure even distribution of aromatics.
- Craft the meatball mixture by combining the processed vegetables with ground chicken, moistened breadcrumbs, egg, ricotta, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and salt, mixing gently to maintain a light texture.
- Form uniform meatballs approximately 2.5 inches in diameter, arranging them on the prepared baking sheet and lightly coating with cooking spray to promote even browning.
- Roast the meatballs in the oven until they develop a crisp exterior and are thoroughly cooked, ensuring juicy and flavorful results.
- Render bacon in a large skillet until crisp and golden, then remove and reserve for garnishing.
- Utilize the bacon drippings to develop the Alfredo sauce by melting butter, adding garlic, and introducing cream to create a rich base.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper, then incorporate Parmesan cheese until smooth and velvety.
- Wilt fresh spinach into the sauce, adding vibrant color and nutritional depth.
- Gently nestle the roasted meatballs into the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce, allowing them to absorb the flavors for a few minutes.
- Finish the dish by crumbling the reserved bacon over the top for a crispy, savory garnish.
- Serve alongside your preferred pasta, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Crafting these meatballs requires gentle mixing to keep the chicken tender and juicy without becoming tough.
- Soaking breadcrumbs in milk helps create a softer, more delicate texture that prevents dry meatballs.
- Fresh herbs and sun-dried tomatoes elevate the flavor profile, transforming ordinary chicken meatballs into a gourmet experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 740
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 54 g
- Saturated Fat: 31 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg