Description
Soft, juicy chicken meatballs served with a rich spinach Alfredo sauce, baked for easy preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 medium onion (very finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 1.5 lb ground chicken (or ground turkey)
- 6 oz whole milk ricotta (approximately ¾ cup)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt (or as needed)
- 6 bacon strips
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 cup heavy cream (35% fat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 5 oz baby spinach (approximately 150 grams)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (to garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
- Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, ground chicken or turkey, ricotta, egg, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Scoop out the meat mixture and form into balls, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly golden.
- For the sauce, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain and chop.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes and season with salt and pepper.
- Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add baked meatballs to the sauce. Toss to coat and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with bacon and parsley.
Notes
Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg