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Southern Style Chicken Meatballs

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

These Southern-style chicken meatballs are a delightful mix of tradition and comfort, baked to perfection with ricotta and Parmesan for a tender texture. The creamy spinach Alfredo sauce adds a luxurious touch, making this dish both hearty and flavorful. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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Haya
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 23:00:05 GMT
A pan of meatballs with a creamy sauce. Pin it
A pan of meatballs with a creamy sauce. | recipeown.com

This hearty Southern style baked chicken ricotta meatballs with spinach Alfredo sauce brings back memories of Sunday dinners and family gatherings. The tender chicken meatballs enriched with creamy ricotta create a luxurious meal that connects us to our roots and traditions.

I first made this recipe during a holiday weekend when my entire family was visiting. The kitchen filled with wonderful aromas as everyone gathered around to watch me roll the meatballs, and now it has become our special occasion meal that everyone requests.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

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A plate of meatballs covered in cheese. | recipeown.com

This dish reminds me of my grandmother who always insisted on using fresh nutmeg grated right into her cream sauces. She would tell me that nutmeg is the secret ingredient that makes people wonder why your Alfredo tastes better than anyone else’s. Every time I grate nutmeg into this sauce I can almost hear her gentle instructions in my ear.

Make Ahead Options

Perfect Pairings

Troubleshooting Tips

A plate of meatballs in a creamy sauce. Pin it
A plate of meatballs in a creamy sauce. | recipeown.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or a mix of chicken and pork for varying flavors and textures.

→ What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs go wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes, buttered herbed rice, or even pasta. Add a side of arugula salad for balance.

→ Can I make this dish lower in carbs?

For a low-carb option, serve the meatballs and sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional mashed potatoes or pasta.

→ How can I add more flavor to the meatballs?

You can add finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for added depth and a touch of heat.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Southern Style Chicken Meatballs

Baked chicken meatballs with ricotta and a spinach Alfredo sauce for a hearty meal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Haya

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Southern

Yield: 6 Servings (Approximately 20 golf ball-sized meatballs)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Meatballs

01 1 lb ground chicken
02 1 cup ricotta cheese
03 1 egg
04 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
06 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
08 1 tsp salt
09 1/2 tsp black pepper
10 1/2 tsp paprika
11 3 tbsp olive oil

→ Spinach Alfredo Sauce

12 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
13 1 cup heavy cream
14 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 1/2 cup milk
16 1/4 tsp nutmeg
17 Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 03

Shape the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 04

Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 05

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped spinach. Cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 06

Add the heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, milk, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 07

Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the skillet with the sauce and gently toss to coat them evenly.

Step 08

Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, garnishing with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  1. For a lower-carb option, serve the meatballs and sauce over sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
  2. Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce for a spicier kick.
  3. Try using ground turkey or a mixture of ground chicken and pork for a flavor variation.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, milk).
  • Contains gluten (breadcrumbs).
  • Contains egg.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 36 g