Description
Delectable chicken ricotta meatballs showcase Italian culinary artistry with tender, herb-infused protein nestled in savory sauce. Diners savor complex flavors while experiencing comfort and depth from this rustic Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground chicken or turkey
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup (40 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (60 g) seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup (40 g) finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup (15 g) freshly chopped parsley
- 3/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 jar prepared Alfredo sauce
- 6 oz (170 g) fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 450°F and create a moisture-rich base by soaking breadcrumbs in milk for two minutes, allowing them to soften and enhance the meatball texture.
- Combine ground chicken with softened breadcrumbs, incorporating chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, ricotta, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to maintain a light, tender consistency without compressing the ingredients.
- Form uniform meatballs and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Position the meatballs with enough space between them to ensure even browning.
- Roast the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking to promote consistent golden-brown coloration and ensure complete internal cooking.
- Simultaneously, heat Alfredo sauce in a large skillet over medium temperature, gently introducing fresh spinach and stirring until the greens wilt and integrate completely with the creamy base.
- Transfer the fully cooked meatballs directly into the prepared Alfredo-spinach sauce, allowing them to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb flavor and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Plate the meatballs and sauce over jasmine rice or preferred grain, creating a harmonious dish that balances protein, creaminess, and aromatic herbs.
Notes
- Soaking breadcrumbs in milk creates incredibly tender and moist meatballs by helping them retain moisture during baking.
- Gently fold ingredients together without overmixing to prevent dense, tough meatballs that lose their delicate texture.
- Easily swap ground chicken with ground turkey or lean ground beef for diverse protein options without compromising the recipe’s core flavors.
- Transform this recipe into gluten-free by using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, making it accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg