Southern-Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce
These Southern-style baked chicken ricotta meatballs are ultra-tender, juicy, and smothered in a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce that’s rich, comforting, and family-approved. Made with ground chicken, ricotta cheese, and fresh spinach, this baked meatball recipe delivers big Southern comfort flavors while staying lighter than traditional beef meatballs.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special gatherings, this dish is easy to make, oven-baked (not fried), and packed with protein and creamy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe (Benefits)
High-Protein & Filling Ground chicken and ricotta keep meatballs moist and satisfying
Healthier Comfort Food Baked instead of fried, with optional lighter dairy swaps
Family-Friendly Recipe Creamy, cheesy, and mild flavors everyone loves
Easy One-Pan Dinner Simple prep with minimal cleanup
Versatile & Customizable Works with turkey, plant-based milk, or whole-wheat breadcrumbs
Ingredients:
Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
1 lb ground chicken (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 cup ricotta cheese (part-skim recommended)
1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or thawed frozen, squeezed dry)
½ cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free)
1 large egg
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter Alfredo sauce)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or fresh basil & oregano)
For Cooking & Garnish
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
Form into 1½–2 inch meatballs and place in the prepared dish.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until fully cooked and lightly golden.
In a saucepan over medium heat, add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook 3–5 minutes, stirring until thick and creamy.
Pour the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce over the baked meatballs. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower mash
Pair with garlic bread or roasted vegetables
Perfect for meal prep reheats beautifully
Nutrition & Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
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Southern-style baked chicken ricotta meatballs in a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. Easy, comforting, high-protein family dinner recipe.
