If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that’s not only delicious but also perfect for leftovers, these Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in a Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce are a fantastic choice.
They’re a refreshing twist on traditional meatballs, combining the lightness of chicken and the richness of ricotta to create a dish that will leave everyone at the table satisfied.
The creamy sauce, featuring crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and savory Parmesan, adds an indulgent touch, making this meal something you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation.
The Perfect Weeknight Dinner
When you’re in need of a meal that’s comforting but not too time-consuming, these Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are ideal.
They’re relatively simple to prepare, making them an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner, yet they’re fancy enough to serve for a special occasion or when you’re entertaining guests.
The recipe yields a generous amount, ensuring you’ll have enough for leftovers, which taste just as good, if not better, the next day!
In this article, I’ll guide you through the steps to create these delicious meatballs and the accompanying sauce. I’ll also offer tips for serving and storing, so you can enjoy this dish at its very best.
Ingredients for Success
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s break down what makes these meatballs and sauce so special.
Ground chicken provides a lighter base than traditional beef or pork meatballs, while ricotta cheese ensures a tender and moist texture.
Combined with Italian breadcrumbs, garlic, and Parmesan, the meatballs are seasoned to perfection.
In the sauce, we’ve got butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan for a rich and creamy base. The spinach and sun-dried tomatoes bring a fresh and tangy contrast that brightens up the dish, while crispy bacon adds a smoky and salty crunch.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Meatball Mixture
First things first, preheat your oven to 450°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly without sticking to the pan.
Now, in a large bowl, combine the key ingredients for the meatballs: ground chicken, finely chopped onion, garlic, fresh parsley, breadcrumbs, ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and your seasonings (salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning). Be sure to mix everything until just combined, but avoid overmixing—the last thing you want is dense meatballs. Ricotta cheese is your secret weapon here, keeping the meatballs light and tender.
Step 2: Shaping and Baking the Meatballs
Once the mixture is combined, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Aim for about 18-20 evenly sized meatballs. You can use a spoon or small cookie scoop to ensure uniformity, which helps them cook evenly.
Place the meatballs onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on the outside and cooked through. This step gives the meatballs a nice crust, which holds up well when they’re simmered in the creamy sauce later on.
Step 3: Preparing the Bacon and Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, you can start preparing the delicious cream sauce. First, fry your bacon in a large pan over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and set it aside for later. You’ll use it as a garnish to add some extra crunch and flavor at the end.
Next, in the same pan with the leftover bacon grease, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute. Garlic and butter are the foundation of many great sauces, and they’ll give this one a wonderfully aromatic base.
Step 4: Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Now, it’s time to add the heavy cream to the pan. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for about two minutes to slightly thicken. Afterward, slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan, stirring constantly to ensure the cheese melts smoothly into the cream. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Once the sauce is thickened and velvety, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. The spinach will wilt in the hot sauce in just a couple of minutes, adding a vibrant green color and a boost of nutrients to the dish. The sun-dried tomatoes provide a nice tangy contrast to the richness of the cream and Parmesan.
Step 5: Combining the Meatballs and Sauce
By now, your meatballs should be done baking. Carefully add them to the pan with the simmering sauce. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Once everything is combined, crumble or chop the crispy bacon and sprinkle it over the top of the meatballs. The bacon adds a delicious crunch and smoky flavor that perfectly complements the creamy sauce and tender meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. For a more traditional option, you can serve the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs over pasta, which will soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. Another great choice is to pair them with a baked potato and steamed asparagus, as the lightness of the vegetables balances the richness of the meatballs and sauce.
You could also serve these meatballs with a side of garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce, or with a light salad for a refreshing contrast. No matter how you serve it, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
One of the best parts about this recipe is that it makes a large batch, perfect for leftovers! If you have any meatballs and sauce left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, so the leftovers will taste even better the next day.
To reheat, simply warm the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium heat. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk to loosen it up and make it creamy again.
A New Dinner Favorite
If you’re ready to add a new dish to your dinner rotation, these Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in a Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce are a must-try. Not only are they delicious and satisfying, but they’re also a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
This recipe is perfect for when you want something a little different but still comforting and easy to make. Whether you serve them over pasta, alongside roasted vegetables, or with a crisp salad, these meatballs are sure to become a regular on your dinner table. Let me know if you try this recipe, and I hope it becomes a new family favorite!