Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce

Creamy, comforting, and irresistibly tender

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food dinner, these Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce are exactly what you need.

Juicy, tender chicken meatballs are baked until golden, then simmered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan Alfredo sauce with fresh spinach and crispy bacon. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Perfect for cozy family dinners, entertaining guests, or meal prep — this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Ultra tender meatballs thanks to ricotta
✔ Creamy, flavorful Alfredo sauce
✔ Easy to make ahead
✔ Perfect for pasta, rice, or potatoes
✔ Great for weeknights or special occasions

These meatballs stay soft and juicy because of the ricotta and milk-soaked breadcrumbs — no dry, dense meatballs here.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 medium onion, very finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1.5 pounds ground chicken (or turkey)
• 6 ounces whole milk ricotta
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste

For the Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce

• 6 strips bacon
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 5 ounces baby spinach
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

1. Prep the Meatball Mixture

Preheat oven to 450°F (235°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 2 minutes.

In a food processor, pulse onion, garlic, parsley, and sun-dried tomatoes until finely chopped.

In a large bowl, combine:

• Ground chicken
• Soaked breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Ricotta
• Parmesan
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Onion mixture

Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix — this keeps the meatballs tender.

2. Shape and Bake

Form into 18–20 meatballs (about 2.5 inches each).

Place on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking oil.

Bake for 15–20 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden.

How to Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce

1. Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer to a plate.

2. Build the Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter.

Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper.

Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Add spinach and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes).

3. Combine

Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 2 more minutes until slightly thickened.

Chop bacon and sprinkle over the top.

Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve immediately.

Can You Make These Ahead?

Absolutely.

• Bake the meatballs ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes or microwave until heated through.

Then simply prepare the sauce fresh when ready to serve.

What to Serve with Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

These meatballs are incredibly versatile:

• Fettuccine or pappardelle
• Jasmine rice
• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted potatoes
• Crusty bread
• Roasted asparagus or green beans

The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with starches that soak it up.

Pro Tips for Perfect Meatballs

• Use quality ground chicken with some fat for moisture.
• Always use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
• Don’t overmix the meat mixture.
• Fresh herbs elevate the flavor.
• If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of cream or pasta water.

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 206 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 10g

Values may vary based on ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

These Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor. The ricotta keeps them soft and tender, while the spinach Alfredo sauce and crispy bacon create the perfect balance of richness and texture.

It’s comfort food at its finest — elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe is a keeper.