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Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

  • Author: AlmaHerzog
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: General

Description

These chicken ricotta meatballs are absolutely delicious chicken meatballs in a savory, creamy spinach Alfredo sauce with crispy turkey bacon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 medium onion (very finely chopped)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped)
  • 1.5 pounds ground chicken or turkey
  • 6 ounces whole milk ricotta (approximately 3/4 cup)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt as needed
  • 6 turkey bacon strips
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cooking cream (35 % fat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 5 ounces baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley to garnish

Instructions

  1. Step: Preheat your oven to 450°F | 235°C. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step: In a medium bowl combine the breadcrumbs with milk. Set aside to soak for 2 minutes.
  3. Step: Add the onion, garlic, parsley and sun-dried tomatoes to your food processor, pulse until finely chopped, scraping down the sides if needed.
  4. Step: In a large bowl combine the mixture with the chicken, the soaked breadcrumbs, egg, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and salt. Mix just until combined. Don’t overmix or it will be dense.
  5. Step: Shape the mixture into 18-20 (2.5-inch ) meatballs. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Spray with cooking oil spray. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are crisp on the outside and cooked through.
  6. Step: Heat a large skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat. Fry turkey bacon until crispy. Transfer to a plate.
  7. Step: In the same pan, melt butter. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  8. Step: Add the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 minutes.
  9. Step: Season with black pepper and salt.
  10. Step: Whisk in the Parmesan cheese and cook until melted.
  11. Step: Finally, add the baby spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes or until wilted.
  12. Step: Add the baked meatballs and cook further for 2 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
  13. Step: Chop the turkey bacon and top the sauce.
  14. Step: Serve immediately with pasta of your choice.

Notes

You can bake your meatballs before you make your sauce. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about three days or freeze them and allow them to defrost in the fridge before reheating.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Chicken recipes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 206 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 506 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 87 mg

Keywords: chicken ricotta meatballs, spinach alfredo sauce, turkey bacon, creamy chicken dinner, Italian inspired

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Find it online: https://easydashrecipes.com/baked-chicken-ricotta-meatballs-with-spinach-alfredo-sauce-70437489299705/