Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Okay, so you have to try these Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs—they are seriously amazing! They come out super soft and juicy, and when you pour that creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce on top? Oh man, it’s next-level good.

I’ve made a lot of meatballs, but adding ricotta? Total game changer. It makes them so light and fluffy, and the spinach in the Alfredo sauce adds this fresh, yummy flavor. Trust me, it’s the perfect mix of cozy and fancy.

Imagine twirling your fork through creamy sauce, scooping up soft, cheesy meatballs with a hint of spinach in every bite. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week, this dish is bound to impress.

Ready to whip up something delicious? Let me show you how to make these easy, tasty meatballs—you’re gonna love them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Juicy Meatballs – The ricotta makes them extra soft and tender.
• Rich & Creamy Alfredo Sauce – Made with real heavy cream and Parmesan.
• Packed with Flavor – Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh parsley add depth.
• Kid-Friendly – Mild flavors that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the meatballs in advance for an easy dinner.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:

This recipe makes about 24 meatballs, enough for 4-6 servings.

Difficulty:

Easy enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress guests.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients for the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 medium onion (very finely chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped)
• 1 ½ pounds (700g) ground chicken or turkey
• 6 ounces whole milk ricotta (about ¾ cup)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt (to taste)

Variations for the Meatballs

• Make it Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat.
• Herby Twist: Use fresh basil instead of parsley.
• Dairy-Free: Swap ricotta for mashed avocado for a creamy texture.
• Extra Cheesy: Stuff each meatball with a small mozzarella cube for a gooey center.

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Soak the Breadcrumbs

In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until absorbed—this keeps the meatballs extra moist.

2. Mix the Ingredients

Add the chopped onion, garlic, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, ground chicken, ricotta, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt to the breadcrumb mixture. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatballs will be tough.

3. Form the Meatballs

Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into a ball. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all the meatballs are formed.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

1. Preheat the Oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the meatballs in a single layer with space between them.
3. Bake for 20-25 Minutes: They should be golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).

Once done, set them aside while you prepare the Alfredo sauce.

Step 3: Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce

This creamy Alfredo sauce is rich, cheesy, and perfectly balanced with fresh spinach. It’s the ultimate companion to the juicy chicken ricotta meatballs!

Ingredients for the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

• 4 bacon strips
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 cups heavy cream (35% fat)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 5 ounces (150g) baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Alfredo Sauce

1. Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until crispy. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain, then crumble into small pieces. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor.

2. Sauté the Garlic

Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!

3. Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.

4. Add the Cheese

Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until it’s fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. This should take 2-3 minutes.

5. Stir in the Spinach

Add the baby spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it wilts into the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Meatballs with Sauce

1. Add the Meatballs: Gently place the baked meatballs into the Alfredo sauce.
2. Simmer Together: Let them simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Top with Bacon & Parsley: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and fresh parsley over the dish just before serving.

Step 5: Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

Now that your Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce are ready, let’s dive into how to serve, store, and even tweak this recipe to fit your style!

How to Serve Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

These creamy, flavorful meatballs are super versatile. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy them:

• Over Pasta: Serve over fettuccine, linguine, or penne for a classic Italian meal.
• With Rice or Quinoa: Spoon over fluffy rice or nutty quinoa to soak up that creamy Alfredo goodness.
• Stuffed in Sandwiches: Load them into a toasted hoagie roll, drizzle with extra sauce, and top with mozzarella for an epic meatball sub.
• On Their Own: Serve them as an appetizer or snack with crusty garlic bread on the side.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

These meatballs are perfect for make-ahead meals and leftovers!

• Fridge: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the meatballs (without sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the sauce.
• Reheating: Warm the meatballs gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

Variations for Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

Want to switch things up? Try these fun variations:

• Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey or pork instead of chicken for a richer flavor.
• Add Veggies: Mix finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini into the meatballs for extra nutrition.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
• Make It Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce for a lighter touch.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Gently mix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a creamier texture.
• Balance the Seasoning: Taste the Alfredo sauce before adding the meatballs to adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Double the Batch: These meatballs freeze beautifully—make a double batch and save some for later!

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber
420	28g	9g	30g	2g

FAQs

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the meatballs ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat them in the Alfredo sauce when ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes! Freeze the baked meatballs without the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the sauce.

3. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
You can, but homemade Alfredo is creamier and more flavorful. If using store-bought, consider adding fresh garlic and extra Parmesan for a boost.

Conclusion

These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce are creamy, juicy, and packed with flavor. Whether you serve them over pasta, with crusty bread, or as a cozy appetizer, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or even special occasions—once you try them, you’ll be hooked!