Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Instructions:

1. Make the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:
  1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands until just combined (do not overmix, or the meatballs may become tough).
  2. Form the Meatballs: Scoop out a portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Repeat with the rest of the mixture. You should get about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
  1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  2. Add the Cream and Milk: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, but don’t let it boil.
  3. Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to whisk until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
  4. Add the Spinach: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.
3. Combine the Meatballs and Sauce:
  1. Add the Meatballs to the Sauce: Carefully add the cooked chicken ricotta meatballs to the spinach Alfredo sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the meatballs to coat them evenly. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes to soak up some of the sauce and heat through.
4. Serve:
  • Serve the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce over pasta (like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne), rice, or even mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. You can also serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete dinner.