Southern Style Chicken Meatballs (Print Version)
# 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:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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.
03 -
Shape the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
04 -
Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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.
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.
07 -
Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the skillet with the sauce and gently toss to coat them evenly.
08 -
Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, garnishing with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
For a lower-carb option, serve the meatballs and sauce over sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
02 -
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce for a spicier kick.
03 -
Try using ground turkey or a mixture of ground chicken and pork for a flavor variation.