Southern-Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Here’s a rich, comforting recipe for Southern-Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.

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Southern-Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Serves 4–6

Ingredients

Meatballs

• 1 lb ground chicken

• ½ cup ricotta cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing baking sheet)

Spinach Alfredo Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ cups heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: pinch of nutmeg

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Instructions

Prepare Meatballs

1. Preheat oven: 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly brush with olive oil.

2. Mix meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Form balls: Shape mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake: 18–20 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden.

Make Spinach Alfredo Sauce

5. Sauté garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

6. Add cream & cheese: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Cook 3–4 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.

7. Add spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).

Serve

8. Combine: Plate meatballs and spoon spinach Alfredo sauce over the top.

9. Optional garnish: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley.

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Tips & Variations

• Cheesy center: Add a small mozzarella cube inside each meatball before baking.

• Lower-carb: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.

• Creamier sauce: Add 2–3 oz cream cheese for extra richness.

• Meal prep: Meatballs can be baked ahead and reheated in the sauce before serving.

This makes a hearty dinner—perfect over pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.

I can also make a one-pan version where the meatballs bake right in the sauce if you want a quicker, easier cleanup option. Do you want me to do that?