Chicken Spinach Ricotta (Print-Friendly Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
01 -
Salt and pepper, as much as you like
02 -
1 large egg
03 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped up small
04 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
05 -
1 clove garlic, chopped up
06 -
1/4 cup breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs
07 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
08 -
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
09 -
1 pound ground chicken
→ Spinach Alfredo Sauce
10 -
Little pinch of nutmeg
11 -
1/2 cup Parmesan, shredded
12 -
1 cup heavy cream
13 -
2 cloves garlic, chopped up
14 -
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, and you can use a tad more if needed
15 -
2 cups fresh spinach
16 -
Salt and black pepper, taste and see as you go
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Flip your oven on to 375°F (190°C) and put a sheet of parchment on your baking sheet.
02 -
Toss the chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper into a big bowl. Mix slow and gentle—don't go crazy.
03 -
Make about 12 to 16 meatballs with your hands—wet them a bit to keep things from sticking. Line them up on your sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, till they're nicely browned and hit 165°F (74°C) inside.
04 -
As meatballs cook, melt butter in a big skillet over medium. Drop in spinach and just let it wilt down, then slide it onto a plate for now.
05 -
Still using the same skillet, pop in a bit more butter if it needs it. Stir in garlic and cook till it smells good, about a minute. Add the cream, let it bubble gently, then mix in Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring about 3-5 minutes until it thickens up a little.
06 -
Toss that cooked spinach back into your creamy sauce. Give it a good stir so it’s well mixed.
07 -
Snuggle the baked meatballs into the skillet. Spoon some sauce over the top. Let everyone hang out for 2-3 minutes on low so flavors blend together.
08 -
Enjoy them hot any way you like—with noodles, spiralized zucchini, or some crusty bread on the side.
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
Go easy on mixing everything for the meatballs or they'll end up tough.
02 -
Spin your baking sheet around halfway through baking so things brown up even.