Description
Juicy, tender chicken and ricotta meatballs are baked and smothered in a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. This comforting, protein-rich, low-carb dish is naturally gluten-free and perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs)
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, almond flour, egg, garlic, onion powder, basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into meatballs. Place evenly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes or until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, pour in heavy cream, and let simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
- Once meatballs are done, spoon Alfredo sauce over them or toss to coat evenly in the skillet.
- Serve hot over pasta, zoodles, or with roasted vegetables.
Notes
Swap ground chicken with turkey for variation.
Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free option.
Add finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.
Spice it up with red pepper flakes.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 105mg