🧀 Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce 🧀

🌟 A Heavenly Blend of Cheesy Goodness & Lush Spinach, Perfect for Busy Weeknights! 🌟

🍽️ Ingredients 🍽️

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil for frying

🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳

1. Start by preparing the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional parsley. Mix thoroughly.

2. Shape the mixture into 1 -inch balls, aiming for about 16-18 meatballs.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

4. For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and smooths out.

6. Stir in the chopped spinach, salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg. Cook until the spinach has wilted and is fully integrated into the sauce.

7. Return the meatballs to the skillet and coat them with the Alfredo sauce. Simmer together for 3-5 minutes.

8. Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.

🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎

- Calories: 685 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Proteins: 38g
- Fats: 52g

💡 Tips and Tricks 💡

- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk for the heavy cream, and use part-skim ricotta.
- Adding a splash of white wine to the Alfredo sauce can introduce an additional layer of flavor.
- If meal prepping, these meatballs can be frozen before adding to the sauce and saved for a quick dinner option later.

⏳ Preparation Time 🍰

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Serving: 4

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