There’s something undeniably cozy about meatballs smothered in a creamy sauce – and this Baked Chicken Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce recipe is one I come back to over and over.
It’s tender, cheesy, and rich, yet somehow still light enough for a weeknight dinner. Total comfort food bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tender baked meatballs with ricotta and Parmesan
Rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce loaded with spinach
Oven-baked – no frying mess
Perfect for pasta night or cozy dinners
Family-friendly and meal prep approved
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ground chicken – Lean and mild, a great base for tender meatballs.
Ricotta cheese – Makes the meatballs soft and moist.
Parmesan cheese – Adds that salty, nutty depth to both meatballs and sauce.
Breadcrumbs + egg – Helps bind everything together.
Garlic + Italian seasoning – Brings big savory flavor.
Spinach – A healthy and vibrant addition to the sauce.
Butter, flour, milk, cream – The essentials for a silky Alfredo base.
Nutmeg – Just a pinch for classic cream sauce warmth.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture – it keeps them tender.
Line the baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.
Use whole milk and heavy cream for a rich, smooth Alfredo.
Add spinach at the end to keep it vibrant and fresh.
Taste and season the sauce gradually – Parmesan adds salt too.
How to Make Baked Chicken Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently until just combined.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
Place on the lined tray and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Step 4: Start the Alfredo Sauce
In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream.
Stir until smooth and the sauce starts to thicken.
Step 6: Add Flavor and Spinach
Stir in Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Once cheese melts, add chopped spinach.
Cook 2–3 more minutes until wilted.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Serve hot meatballs with a generous spoonful of the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce.
Enjoy immediately!
What to Serve It Wit
Over pasta like fettuccine or linguine
With mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
Alongside roasted veggies or garlic bread
Over zucchini noodles for a lighter option
Variations / Substitutions
Use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken
Add red pepper flakes for heat
Swap spinach for kale or chopped broccoli
Stir in mushrooms to the Alfredo for extra depth
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF version
Storage & Leftovers
Store meatballs and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen sauce
Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months
Alfredo sauce is best fresh – avoid freezing as it may separate
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the meatballs and prep the sauce in advance.
Reheat gently when ready to serve.
Do I need to cook the spinach before adding it?
Nope – it wilts quickly when stirred into the hot sauce.
Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce?
You can, but homemade makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
Is the sauce too heavy?
The ricotta in the meatballs balances the richness – but feel free to use half-and-half instead of cream if you prefer it lighter.
Can I bake the meatballs without oil?
Yes, but a drizzle of olive oil helps them brown beautifully.
How do I know the meatballs are done?
They should be golden brown and reach an internal temp of 165°F (75°C).
Can I make this dairy-free?
It would require major substitutions – best to use dairy alternatives specifically formulated for cooking sauces.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chicken Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce recipe is a total winner – creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor.
Whether you’re serving it for Sunday supper or weekday dinner, it’s guaranteed to earn rave reviews. Bonus: it’s freezer-friendly and perfect for leftovers!
