Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce 🍝 Ingredients: For the Meatballs: 1 lb ground...

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce 🍝
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (for baking or frying)
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing the spinach, if preferred)
For Serving:

Cooked pasta (such as fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs:

Mix the Meatball Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Form the Meatballs:

Roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet or plate.
Cook the Meatballs:

Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the meatballs with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
Frying Method: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
Prepare the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

Sauté the Garlic:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:

Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
Add Spinach:

Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted and incorporated into the sauce. If preferred, sauté spinach separately in olive oil or butter before adding to the sauce for additional flavor.
Combine and Serve:

Combine Meatballs and Sauce:

Gently fold the cooked meatballs into the spinach Alfredo sauce.
Serve:

Serve the meatballs and sauce over your choice of cooked pasta.
Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce! 🍝