Description
Spinach Alfredo Chicken Meatballs are tender ground chicken meatballs infused with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, simmered in a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. This recipe offers a perfect blend of comfort and freshness, making it an ideal family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and delightfully satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Cooking Ingredients
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped fresh spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until ingredients are evenly combined, taking care not to overwork the mixture.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into uniform meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter to ensure even cooking and an appealing look.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step seals in flavor and adds texture.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In a separate pan, gently warm the Alfredo sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the browned meatballs to the warmed Alfredo sauce, gently coating them. Let them simmer in the sauce for 10 minutes to finish cooking and meld the flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Spinach Alfredo Chicken Meatballs to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, chopped parsley or basil, and a pinch of cracked black pepper if desired. Serve with your preferred side dishes and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach rather than frozen for better texture and flavor.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and avoid a dense texture.
- Ensure meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Browning the meatballs before simmering adds a delicious crust and deeper flavor.
- Customize the Alfredo sauce with garlic powder, nutmeg, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Skillet Cooking and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4-5 meatballs with sauce)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: Spinach, Alfredo, Chicken, Meatballs, Gluten-Free, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Family Friendly