Description
These Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are oven-baked until tender, then finished in a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce with crispy bacon and bursts of sun-dried tomato for a rich, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- Breadcrumbs
- Milk
- Finely chopped onion
- Garlic
- Fresh parsley
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Ground chicken or turkey
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
Sauce
- Bacon
- Butter
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Salt & pepper
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh spinach
- Parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment or light oil to prevent sticking.
- Soften Breadcrumbs: Place breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Pour in milk and allow it to soak until fully absorbed. This step ensures your Chicken Ricotta Meatballs stay soft and moist.
- Mix the Meatball Base: Add onion, garlic, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, ground chicken, ricotta, egg, Parmesan, seasoning, and salt into the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix gently but thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Use your hands or scoop to portion the mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1½ inches wide. Arrange them evenly on the baking sheet with space between each.
- Bake: Transfer to the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes. The meatballs should be lightly golden and fully cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Cook the Bacon: While meatballs bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels, then chop into small pieces.
- Build the Sauce Base: In the same pan, remove excess grease but keep a small amount for flavor. Add butter and melt gently. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.
- Add Cream: Pour in heavy cream slowly. Keep heat moderate and bring to a gentle simmer. Do not boil.
- Add Cheese: Whisk in Parmesan cheese gradually until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach. Cook until wilted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Combine Everything: Add baked meatballs directly into the sauce. Stir gently to coat each one evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped bacon and fresh parsley over the top. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with bread.
Notes
- Add chili flakes for heat
- Use turkey as a substitute
- Best served fresh but reheats well
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal