These chicken meatballs are juicy and packed with flavor, served in a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting dish that makes veggies taste fantastic!
Honestly, who knew spinach could be so delicious? I love mixing in extra meatballs for a hearty meal. Plus, they make a great lunch the next day—if there’s any left! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the dish! If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey instead. For a richer flavor, chicken thighs can work well too.
Breadcrumps: I often use plain breadcrumbs for the meatballs. If you want a little crunch, consider panko breadcrumbs instead! They give the meatballs a nice texture. Gluten-free breadcrumbs also make a great substitute!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan brings out the best flavor. If you can’t find it, try Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that still adds a cheesy essence.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal, but frozen works too. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid watery sauce. You could substitute with kale if you want a different green.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Stay Juicy and Tender?
A common challenge is keeping meatballs from drying out. Here are some tips to keep them juicy:
- Don’t over-mix the meatball mixture; combine until just mixed. Overworking can make them tough.
- Use a scoop to ensure uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Cooking them over medium heat allows for browning without drying them out.
- Adding a splash of milk or broth to the mixture can add moisture and flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Thicken My Alfredo Sauce?
Sometimes Alfredo can turn out too thin. Here are some options to ensure a creamy sauce:
- Let the sauce simmer longer to reduce it and thicken naturally. Keep stirring!
- Adding more parmesan cheese gradually can help thicken the sauce while boosting flavor.
- If you want to thicken quickly, a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water) can work well; add it while simmering and stir until thickened.
How to Make Chicken Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, for a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels fancy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is mixed together but don’t overdo it! Form the mixture into meatballs, making them about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
2. Cooking the Meatballs:
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet and cook them until they are browned on all sides, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once they are nicely browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Making the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, if you need, add a little more olive oil and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, and season the sauce with nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is nice and heated through.
4. Combining Meatballs and Sauce:
Gently add the cooked meatballs back to the skillet with the spinach Alfredo sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked and beautifully coated in that creamy sauce.
5. Serving:
Your chicken meatballs with spinach Alfredo sauce are ready to go! Serve them hot over your favorite pasta, rice, or even on a bed of fresh greens if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in meatballs. Just keep in mind that turkey may be slightly drier, so you might want to add a little extra olive oil or a splash of chicken broth to keep the meatballs moist.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the spinach Alfredo sauce ahead of time! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat on the stove, adding a bit of cream if it’s too thick.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the sauce has thickened too much, adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating can help restore its consistency.
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Definitely! If using fresh spinach, simply chop it and add it to the sauce after sautéing the garlic. Cook for a few minutes until it wilts down before mixing in the cream and Parmesan. This will give the sauce a wonderful fresh flavor!
