Description
Spinach Alfredo Chicken Meatballs are a creamy, comforting, and wholesome dish featuring tender ground chicken meatballs loaded with fresh spinach and simmered in a rich Alfredo sauce. Easy to prepare and packed with protein and nutrients, this family-friendly recipe delivers a warm, satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed and drained
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (substitute gluten-free if needed)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil, for sautéing and cooking
Optional Garnishes & Sides
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Pasta, cauliflower rice, or fresh salad, for serving
- Optional: red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for spice
- Optional: mozzarella or fontina cheese for mixing into meatballs
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: Sauté fresh spinach with a splash of olive oil and minced garlic over medium heat until just wilted. Drain any excess moisture to prevent soggy meatballs.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, sautéed spinach, bread crumbs, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until evenly incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs, cooking in batches if necessary. Brown all sides for 6 to 8 minutes until golden.
- Simmer in Alfredo Sauce: Pour the Alfredo sauce into the skillet and gently nestle the browned meatballs into the sauce. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and flavors to meld fully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once warmed through, serve the meatballs with your choice of pasta, cauliflower rice, or salad. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for better texture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Cook meatballs to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Let meatballs rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American/Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 meatballs with sauce)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: spinach meatballs, chicken meatballs, alfredo chicken, creamy meatballs, family-friendly dinner, easy chicken recipe, comforting dinner, gluten free meatballs
