There’s something magical about a good plate of meatballs. They’re homey, comforting, and versatile, but let me tell you, these chicken ricotta meatballs take things to a whole new level. They’re soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth tender, thanks to the ricotta cheese mixed right into the meat. Pair them with a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce, and you’ve got a dish that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight.
The first time I made these, I wasn’t entirely sure how it would all turn out. I had leftover ricotta from another recipe and some ground chicken in the fridge. I figured, why not? I’d always made meatballs with beef or pork, but chicken felt like it would lighten things up a bit. And the Alfredo sauce? Well, let’s just say I wasn’t about to leave a creamy sauce off the table. By the time I was done, the kitchen smelled so incredible that even the picky eaters couldn’t resist.
This dish has since become a staple in our house. The meatballs are so tender they practically fall apart when you cut into them, and the spinach Alfredo sauce ties everything together with its garlicky, cheesy richness. It’s cozy, satisfying, and honestly, it’s one of those meals that makes you stop and savor each bite.
Let’s get cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken – Lean and mild, it lets the other flavors shine.
- ½ cup ricotta cheese – This is what makes the meatballs unbelievably soft and moist.
- 1 egg – To hold everything together.
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs – I used plain breadcrumbs, but panko works great too for a lighter texture.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese – Just enough to add a little savory kick.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced – Fresh is best. It brings so much flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – A mix of herbs that gives the meatballs a subtle, aromatic flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – To sauté the spinach.
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach – Adds freshness and a bit of color to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced – You can never have too much garlic.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The base for that rich, dreamy sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For that classic Alfredo flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional) – It’s subtle, but it rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Cooked pasta of your choice – Fettuccine is my favorite for this, but use whatever you have.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start with the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use a fork (or your hands) to gently mix everything together. Don’t overwork the mixture—it should just come together.
Once mixed, roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 ½ inches in diameter. You should end up with around 16 to 18 meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to keep things tidy while you shape the rest. (source: Ineskohl.info)
2. Cook the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the meatballs in the skillet in a single layer. Cook them for about 2–3 minutes per side, just until they’re golden brown. (Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked yet—they’ll finish in the sauce.) Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Spinach
In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed and toss in the baby spinach. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it wilts down. Remove the spinach from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce
Turn the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it smells fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, letting it warm through for a couple of minutes.
Next, whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Add a pinch of nutmeg if you’d like—it adds a little something special. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring It All Together
Add the meatballs back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, nestling them in gently so they’re coated in the sauce. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked through. Add the sautéed spinach back into the skillet during the last minute or two, stirring it gently into the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
While the meatballs are finishing in the sauce, cook your pasta. If you’re like me and love fettuccine with creamy sauces, go for it. Otherwise, spaghetti, penne, or even egg noodles will work just as well.
To serve, toss the cooked pasta with a spoonful or two of the Alfredo sauce to coat it lightly, then plate it up with a few meatballs on top. Drizzle everything with extra sauce from the skillet, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on some freshly grated Parmesan or chopped parsley.
A Few Tips for the Best Meatballs and Sauce
- Ricotta is the key. Don’t skip it! It’s what makes these meatballs so tender and soft. If you’re out of ricotta, you could try using cream cheese or even mascarpone, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. When browning the meatballs, make sure to leave some space between them so they brown evenly. If your skillet is on the smaller side, cook them in batches.
- Loosen the sauce if needed. If the Alfredo sauce gets too thick, just stir in a splash of the pasta cooking water. It thins it out and helps it coat the pasta beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a true crowd-pleaser. The meatballs are light yet satisfying, and the creamy Alfredo sauce is balanced by the fresh spinach. It’s rich without being overwhelming and feels like a restaurant-quality meal, but you get to enjoy it at home, in your comfy clothes.
Every time I make this, I’m reminded of why I love cooking so much. It’s about taking simple ingredients—ground chicken, ricotta, a little spinach—and turning them into something that makes people smile. Serve this to your family, your friends, or just yourself on a quiet evening. Trust me, it’s worth it.
