The aroma wafting through the kitchen as you prepare Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is enough to make anyone swoon. Picture juicy, tender meatballs infused with rich ricotta cheese, perfectly blended spices, and a luscious spinach alfredo draping them like a warm blanket on a chilly night.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I freeze Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs?
- What can I serve with these meatballs?
- How do I know when the meatballs are done?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now imagine serving this delightful dish at your family gathering—not only will it impress everyone’s taste buds, but you may just earn the title of “Culinary Maestro” in the family hierarchy. Who knew dinner could be so rewarding?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe simplifies meal prep while delivering mouthwatering flavors that everyone loves
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning for any occasion
- Plus, these versatile meatballs can shine alongside pasta or on their own!
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my cousin’s wedding where these meatballs stole the spotlight from the cake!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Chicken: Choose lean ground chicken for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Ricotta Cheese: Opt for fresh ricotta; it adds creaminess and richness to the meatballs.
- Fresh Spinach: Use vibrant green spinach to add freshness and nutrition to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate some aged Parmesan for an extra punch of flavor that elevates every bite.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is essential; its aromatic quality enhances both the meatballs and sauce.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs brings warmth and depth to your dish—don’t skip this!
- Pasta (optional): Use your favorite pasta to serve alongside if you want a hearty meal.
- Olive Oil: Drizzle some olive oil for sautéing; it adds flavor while keeping everything moist.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other ingredients’ flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and lightly coat it with nonstick spray to ensure easy cleanup.
Mix up those Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half of the grated Parmesan. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it!
Shape into Meatballs: Now comes the fun part! With clean hands (or gloves if you’re feeling fancy), form small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on your prepared baking dish.
Bake those Beauties: Pop the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Create Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce: While those delicious meatballs are baking away, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute—then stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
Add creaminess: Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently while stirring. Gradually whisk in remaining Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss Meatballs in Sauce: Once your heavenly meatballs are done baking, carefully add them to your skillet of creamy sauce. Gently stir until each meatball is coated in that irresistible creamy goodness.
Serve those Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs over pasta or on their own! Garnish with additional Parmesan if desired; trust me—it’s worth it!
Enjoy all that cheesy goodness enveloping those tender meatballs; it’s comfort food at its finest! Your family will be clamoring for seconds before they even finish their first plate!
You Must Know
- Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce are a delightful blend of flavors and textures
- The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the savory meatballs, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion
- This dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the chicken ricotta meatballs first; this allows them to develop a crispy exterior while you prepare the spinach Alfredo sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs for more vibrant flavors; dried herbs lack that punch
- Ensure your ricotta is well-drained to avoid soggy meatballs
- Keep an eye on cooking times; overcooking can dry out these delicious morsels
Cooking these Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone fights over the last meatball!
FAQ
Can I freeze Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs?
Yes, they freeze well! Just ensure they are fully cooled before freezing.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safely enjoyed!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 people (approximately 16 meatballs)
Description
Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce are a comforting, flavorful dish that will impress family and friends with their creamy goodness and delightful taste.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken
- Ricotta cheese
- Fresh spinach
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic cloves
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, mix ground chicken, ricotta, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan until combined.
- Form 1-inch meatballs and arrange in the baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in olive oil for 1 minute; add fresh spinach until wilted.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently, whisking in remaining Parmesan until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
- Toss baked meatballs in the sauce until well-coated; serve over pasta or on their own.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
