Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a creamy and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines the richness of ricotta cheese with the tender juiciness of chicken meatballs, all drenched in a velvety spinach-infused Alfredo sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in with family and friends. The chicken meatballs are tender and easy to make, while the spinach Alfredo sauce adds a burst of freshness and flavor to the dish. With its comforting and satisfying taste, Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce is sure to become a new favorite.
Recipe:
Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:
Ingredients:
* 1 pound ground chicken
* 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 egg
* 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, and olive oil. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each meatball.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
Ingredients:
* 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve sauce over cooked chicken meatballs.
Tips and Variations:
* To add some heat to your dish, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the meatballs before baking.
* Substitute ground turkey or pork for the ground chicken for a different flavor profile.
* Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach Alfredo sauce for added depth of flavor.
* Serve with cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, for a complete meal.
* For a creamy and indulgent twist, top the dish with shaved mozzarella cheese and serve with garlic bread.
Cooking Technique:
* Make sure to not overmix the meatball mixture, as it can make the meatballs dense and tough.
* Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
* Don't overcrowd the baking sheet with the meatballs, as it can lead to uneven cooking.
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