Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce
If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in comfort and nostalgia, this Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce is a treasure. Tender, juicy chicken meatballs, enriched with creamy ricotta cheese, are baked to perfection and smothered in a decadent spinach Alfredo sauce that’s velvety smooth and full of flavor.
Growing up in the rural heartland, dishes like this were the soul of family dinners. The richness of the creamy Alfredo sauce, the softness of the ricotta meatballs, and the slight earthiness from fresh spinach combine into a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. My mother used to make this for Sunday dinners, and to this day, it remains a comfort food classic that transports me right back to our bustling kitchen.
Pair these meatballs with a side of garlic mashed potatoes, buttered herb rice, or even a crisp arugula salad with vinaigrette. And don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to mop up that silky sauce!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 3 tbsp olive oil for baking
- For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground chicken
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg
- Grated Parmesan
- Breadcrumbs
- Minced garlic
- Chopped parsley
- Salt, pepper, and paprika
- Mix gently with clean hands or a spatula until just combined.
- Tip: Don’t overmix, as it will make the meatballs dense.
- Form into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil for moisture and golden color.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly golden.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the heavy cream and milk.
- Add nutmeg, a pinch of salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan, whisking continuously until melted and smooth.
- Add the chopped spinach, stirring until wilted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Pro Tip: Add an extra splash of milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
- Gently toss to coat all the meatballs in the creamy spinach sauce.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley and a dusting of Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve over buttery garlic mashed potatoes for maximum comfort. Try it with buttered herb rice for a Southern-inspired side. Pair with a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Don’t forget crusty bread to soak up every last drop of Alfredo goodness! 🌟 Variations
1. Spicy Twist
Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for gentle heat. Mix hot sauce into the meatball mixture for an extra kick. 2. Low-Carb Version
Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour for a keto-friendly dish. 3. Cheese Lovers’ Edition
Add mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball for a gooey surprise! 4. Mushroom Alfredo
Sauté mushrooms and fold into the Alfredo sauce for extra depth. 5. Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and check labels on Parmesan and other ingredients. ❄️ Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing:
Freeze meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until heated through. 🙋♀️ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative and works beautifully with the ricotta and spices. 2. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and refrigerate the meatballs for up to 24 hours before baking. 3. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw it completely and squeeze out the moisture before adding it to the sauce. 4. What can I use instead of ricotta?
You can substitute with cottage cheese, but blend it first for a smoother texture. 5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients to serve a larger crowd—perfect for gatherings. 6. Is the nutmeg essential?
Nutmeg adds warmth to the Alfredo sauce, but it’s optional if you prefer to skip. 7. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream, milk, and cheese substitutes, but the flavor will change slightly. 8. What breadcrumbs are best?
Use plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs for extra flavor. 9. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. 10. How do I keep the sauce smooth?
Always stir continuously while adding cheese and heat gently to avoid curdling. ✨ Conclusion
This Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce is comfort food at its finest. Rich, creamy, and satisfying, it brings together the best of Southern charm and Italian indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a special Sunday dinner, a cozy night in, or to impress guests at a gathering, this dish delivers flavor, nostalgia, and warmth in every bite. Serve it with your favorite sides, pour yourself a glass of sweet tea or white wine, and enjoy a meal that feels like a loving hug from the heart of the South. 🍗🥬🧄
Serve over buttery garlic mashed potatoes for maximum comfort. Try it with buttered herb rice for a Southern-inspired side. Pair with a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Don’t forget crusty bread to soak up every last drop of Alfredo goodness! 🌟 Variations
1. Spicy Twist
Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for gentle heat. Mix hot sauce into the meatball mixture for an extra kick. 2. Low-Carb Version
Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour for a keto-friendly dish. 3. Cheese Lovers’ Edition
Add mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball for a gooey surprise! 4. Mushroom Alfredo
Sauté mushrooms and fold into the Alfredo sauce for extra depth. 5. Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and check labels on Parmesan and other ingredients. ❄️ Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing:
Freeze meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until heated through. 🙋♀️ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative and works beautifully with the ricotta and spices. 2. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and refrigerate the meatballs for up to 24 hours before baking. 3. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw it completely and squeeze out the moisture before adding it to the sauce. 4. What can I use instead of ricotta?
You can substitute with cottage cheese, but blend it first for a smoother texture. 5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients to serve a larger crowd—perfect for gatherings. 6. Is the nutmeg essential?
Nutmeg adds warmth to the Alfredo sauce, but it’s optional if you prefer to skip. 7. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream, milk, and cheese substitutes, but the flavor will change slightly. 8. What breadcrumbs are best?
Use plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs for extra flavor. 9. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. 10. How do I keep the sauce smooth?
Always stir continuously while adding cheese and heat gently to avoid curdling. ✨ Conclusion
This Southern Style Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Alfredo Sauce is comfort food at its finest. Rich, creamy, and satisfying, it brings together the best of Southern charm and Italian indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a special Sunday dinner, a cozy night in, or to impress guests at a gathering, this dish delivers flavor, nostalgia, and warmth in every bite. Serve it with your favorite sides, pour yourself a glass of sweet tea or white wine, and enjoy a meal that feels like a loving hug from the heart of the South. 🍗🥬🧄