chicken ricotta meatballs

Savor the irresistible blend of succulent ground chicken, creamy ricotta, and savory Parmesan in our Chicken Ricotta Meatballs. Crisped to perfection and paired with a luxurious creamy sauce kissed with bacon and spinach, this dish transforms classic meatballs into a gourmet delight

Elevate Your Dinner Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Luxurious Creamy Sauce :

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Sauce offers a gourmet experience for food enthusiasts. Tender, flavorful chicken meatballs meld with creamy ricotta and herbs, while a luxurious sauce, enriched with crispy bacon and Parmesan, elevates the dish. Whether for a comforting meal or to impress guests, this recipe promises indulgence and satisfaction, making it a standout choice

chicken ricotta meatballs

Course: MainCuisine: Italian

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Ingredients

• – 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs

• – 1/2 cup milk

• – 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• – 3 garlic cloves, minced

• – 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• – 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped

• – 1.5 pounds (700 grams) ground chicken or turkey

• – 6 ounces whole milk ricotta (about 3/4 cup)

• – 1 large egg

• – 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• – 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• – Salt, to taste

• Creamy Sauce:

• – 6 bacon strips

• – 4 tablespoons butter

• – 2 garlic cloves, minced

• – 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (35% fat)

• – 1/2 teaspoon salt

• – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• – 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• – 5 ounces (150 grams) baby spinach

• – 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 450°F (235°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Allow to soak for 2 minutes.
• Using a food processor, finely chop the onion, garlic, parsley, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt until just combined.
• Shape the mixture into 18-20 meatballs (about 2.5 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Spray with cooking oil spray.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are crispy on the outside and cooked through.
• In a large skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat, fry the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a plate.
• In the same pan, melt butter and cook garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
• Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• 10. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted, then add the baby spinach and cook until wilted (about 1-2 minutes).
• 11. Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
• 12. Chop the bacon and sprinkle it over the sauce.
• 13. Serve immediately with pasta of your choice, garnished with fresh parsley

Notes

To make Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Sauce, you’ll need the following equipment:

To make Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Sauce, you’ll need the following equipment:

1. Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients like breadcrumbs, milk, ground chicken, ricotta cheese, and herbs.
2. Baking sheet: To bake the meatballs until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent the meatballs from sticking.
4. Food processor or knife: For chopping onions, garlic, parsley, and sun-dried tomatoes finely.
5. Large skillet or nonstick pan: For frying bacon and preparing the creamy sauce.
6. Whisk or spatula: For stirring and combining ingredients in the creamy sauce.
7. Cooking spray or oil: To grease the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
8. Cooking thermometer: To ensure the meatballs reach the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
9. Serving dishes: For serving the meatballs and creamy sauce, alongside pasta, rice, or bread.
10. Optional: Cookie scoop or tablespoon for shaping the meatballs into uniform portions.

Q & A :

Q: How do you ensure the chicken meatballs stay moist and tender?

A: Gradually adding breadcrumbs to the meatball mixture helps to bind the ingredients together without making them overly dense, ensuring a moist and tender texture.

Q: Can I make the meatballs in advance?

A: Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake for convenience.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

A: Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground chicken in this recipe with equally delicious results.