Name: My hubby calls these little pieces of heaven in his mouth! Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons flour; 2 cups milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Pinch of nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to fall head over heels for this recipe—My hubby calls these little pieces of heaven in his mouth! Imagine tender baked chicken meatballs, enriched with creamy ricotta and Parmesan, all drenched in a luscious spinach Alfredo sauce that’s smooth, cheesy, and perfectly comforting. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together beautifully and are sure to become a favorite in your home as they are in mine.

My hubby calls these little pieces of heaven in his mouth! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, blending together to create a harmony of textures and flavors that make this dish so irresistible. The combination is simple but hugely satisfying, ensuring every bite offers moisture, creaminess, and a touch of savory richness.

1 pound ground chicken: For a lean, tender base that’s perfect for juicy meatballs.
1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, mild richness that keeps the meatballs soft and luscious.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth to the mixture and sauce.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind everything together and give the meatballs structure.
1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder, holding the meatball ingredients tightly.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the meatballs with fragrant, flavorful warmth.
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A classic blend to elevate the herbal notes.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning that brings all the flavors alive.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps the meatballs brown beautifully.
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a healthful green twist to the sauce.
2 tablespoons butter: The base for an incredibly smooth and rich Alfredo sauce.
2 tablespoons flour: Thickens the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
2 cups milk: Keeps the sauce light and luscious.
1 cup heavy cream: For rich, velvety smoothness in the sauce.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the Alfredo sauce its signature cheesy punch.
Pinch of nutmeg: A secret finishing touch that subtly lifts the sauce’s flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances every element of the sauce.

How to Make My hubby calls these little pieces of heaven in his mouth!

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy—mix everything really well until you have a uniform, fragrant mixture that feels just right to roll.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

Roll this delicious mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them evenly spaced on your baking sheet. Give them a quick drizzle of olive oil to help with browning. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re golden on the outside and cooked through on the inside. You’ll already be smelling why My hubby calls these little pieces of heaven in his mouth!

Step 3: Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce

While the meatballs bake, melt butter in a large pan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a roux—this step thickens the sauce perfectly. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and keep cooking until the sauce thickens into creamy goodness. Stir in the Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and finally add the chopped spinach, letting it wilt gently into that beautiful cheesy sauce. This sauce is pure magic and a game-changer for the dish.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

When the meatballs come out of the oven all golden and inviting, spoon that luscious spinach Alfredo over the top with care. The combination is heavenly, and it’s clear why My hubby calls these little pieces of heaven in his mouth! Get ready for compliments and requests to make it again soon.

How to Serve My hubby calls these little pieces of heaven in his mouth!

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a fresh burst of color and a herby brightness that balances the rich sauce. A little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts and brings that wonderful umami flavor to your first bite.

Side Dishes

These meatballs with spinach Alfredo go beautifully with a light side salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette, steamed garlic green beans, or even a serving of buttery mashed potatoes. If you want to keep things classic, some crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the meatballs over freshly cooked pasta or creamy polenta, letting the sauce cascade over for an elegant but comforting meal. Another idea is to turn this into a party appetizer by making mini versions and serving toothpicks alongside a dipping bowl of extra spinach Alfredo sauce—these bites always disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover meatballs and sauce store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them separate if you want to maintain the best texture, but they reheat nicely together as well.

Freezing

If you want to save these delightful bites for later, freeze the baked meatballs on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. The sauce can be frozen separately in a sealed container for up to 2 months. This way, you have a ready-made comfort meal whenever cravings strike.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the meatballs in the oven or microwave until heated through. Warm the Alfredo sauce separately on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until it’s heated but not boiling. Then combine and enjoy your My hubby calls these little pieces of heaven in his mouth! moment all over again.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or beef instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or lean ground beef would work just fine and add their own unique flavors. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as beef might take slightly longer.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap regular breadcrumbs and flour for gluten-free alternatives. The flavors and textures remain just as delightful!

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the sauce, so it doesn’t make things watery.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

To thicken, add a little more flour to the roux or simmer the sauce longer. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of milk or cream while cooking, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I prepare the meatballs without the Alfredo sauce?

Definitely! The meatballs are delicious on their own or paired with marinara sauce or a simple tomato gravy if you want to switch things up.

Final Thoughts

This dish legitimately feels like a little slice of comfort heaven on the plate, and it’s easy to see why My hubby calls these little pieces of heaven in his mouth! It’s a wonderfully satisfying meal that marries simple ingredients into a show-stopping experience. I can’t wait for you to try it and see firsthand why it holds such a special place at our table. Happy cooking!

My hubby calls these little pieces of heaven in his mouth! Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

These baked chicken meatballs topped with a rich and creamy Spinach Alfredo sauce are a heavenly combination of flavors and textures. Ground chicken meatballs mixed with ricotta, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning are baked to perfection, then smothered in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce loaded with fresh spinach. Perfect as a comforting dinner that’s both satisfying and elegant.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, ensuring your meatballs will be flavorful and hold together.
Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil to help them brown nicely in the oven.
Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Prepare Roux: While the meatballs bake, melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to form a smooth roux, which will thicken the sauce.
Make Alfredo Sauce: Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking the sauce until the cheese has melted and the sauce is silky smooth.
Add Spinach: Fold the chopped fresh spinach into the Alfredo sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and integrates into the sauce.
Serve: Spoon the creamy Spinach Alfredo sauce over the freshly baked chicken meatballs and serve hot. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish!

Notes

For a gluten-free variation, substitute regular breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
You can blend the spinach into the Alfredo sauce for a smoother texture and to conceal it from picky eaters.
Add some lemon zest to the meatball mixture for a bright, fresh flavor twist.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the Alfredo sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
For extra cheesy indulgence, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the meatballs before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking and stovetop sauce preparation
Cuisine: Italian-American