Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce recipe

Here’s a recipe for Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the spinach Alfredo sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

For serving:

• Cooked pasta of your choice
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

2. Cook the meatballs:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil.
2. Place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure they are not crowded.
3. Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the spinach Alfredo sauce:

1. In the same skillet used for cooking the meatballs, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly until it begins to simmer.
5. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce has thickened.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using), to taste.

4. Combine the meatballs and sauce:

1. Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the spinach Alfredo sauce.
2. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce until evenly coated.
3. Let them simmer together for a few minutes until heated through.

5. Serve:

1. Serve the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Alfredo Sauce over cooked pasta of your choice.
2. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
3. Enjoy your delicious meal!

This recipe serves about 4 people. Adjust quantities as needed based on your serving size requirements.