This was my absolute favorite dish back in the day. I couldn’t get enough and always asked my mom to whip it up.
Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce
This cozy Southern-inspired dish features juicy, oven-baked chicken meatballs enriched with creamy ricotta and served in a velvety spinach Alfredo sauce. It’s the perfect fusion of comfort and flavor.
🧾 Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground chicken | 1 lb |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Grated Parmesan (for meatballs) | 1/2 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| Olive oil (for drizzling) | 3 tbsp |
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh spinach (chopped) | 2 cups |
| Olive oil (for sautéing) | 1 tbsp |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan (for sauce) | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
🍴 How to Make It
✅ For the Meatballs:
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir or mix by hand until everything is evenly blended.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Shape into balls about the size of a golf ball and place on the lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil to help them brown nicely.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and lightly golden (internal temp should be 165°F / 74°C).
✅ For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
Step 1: Cook the Spinach
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook for 3–4 minutes until wilted.
Step 2: Make the Alfredo Base
Lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan. Whisk until smooth and combined.
Step 3: Finish the Sauce
Add a pinch of nutmeg along with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
🍽️ Bringing It All Together:
Step 1: Combine Meatballs with Sauce
Once baked, add the meatballs into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat them well without breaking them apart.
Step 2: Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or veggie noodles like zucchini for a lower-carb option. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
