Description
Tender chicken meatballs meet creamy spinach Alfredo sauce for a comforting and nutritious dish. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it’s wholesome indulgence at its finest.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1/2 cup (125g) ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape into 12-16 equal-sized meatballs and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add spinach and sauté until wilted. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens (3-5 minutes).
- Add the wilted spinach to the sauce and stir to combine.
- Combine and Serve:
- Gently place baked meatballs into the sauce. Simmer for a couple of minutes to coat them well.
- Serve hot over pasta, zucchini noodles, or on its own with a side of crusty bread.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix gently just until combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough. Aim for a tender texture by keeping the mixture light.
- Control the Heat for the Sauce: Alfredo sauce can separate if cooked at too high a temperature. Keep the heat on medium-low and stir frequently. Remove from heat as soon as it thickens to maintain a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Season as You Go: Taste and adjust seasoning at each step, especially for the sauce. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and nutmeg creates a balanced flavor, but adding salt and pepper to taste will elevate the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min