Description
Succulent chicken ricotta meatballs dance in a creamy spinach alfredo sauce, bringing Italian comfort to your dinner table. Cheese-lovers and pasta enthusiasts will savor each luxurious bite of this hearty, Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Cheese:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings and Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Craft a delectable mixture by combining ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently until ingredients are just incorporated, avoiding excessive manipulation. Form compact, uniform 1-inch spherical meatballs.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat (approximately 350°F). Carefully introduce meatballs in batches to prevent overcrowding. Sear each batch for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer cooked meatballs to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same skillet to create the spinach alfredo sauce. Melt butter and introduce minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until aromatic. Incorporate chopped spinach, cooking 2-3 minutes until completely wilted. Stream heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer. Integrate Parmesan, seasonings, and optional nutmeg, allowing sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Reintroduce meatballs into the simmering sauce, delicately coating each piece. Allow gentle heating for 2-3 minutes, enabling flavor integration. Present the meatballs and sauce atop pasta, rice, or accompanied by crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground chicken for a healthier protein option that keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Ensure not to overmix the meatball mixture to prevent tough, dense texture – mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Consider adding extra herbs like fresh basil or parsley to boost the meatballs’ flavor profile and add a bright, fresh element.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the meatballs’ binding and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 538 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg