Creamy Chicken Ricotta (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Meatball Mixture
01 -
1/2 cup of milk
02 -
1 large egg
03 -
3/4 cup (6 ounces) of whole milk ricotta
04 -
1.5 pounds (700g) ground turkey or chicken
05 -
1/2 cup of Italian-style breadcrumbs
→ Seasoning for Meatballs
06 -
1/3 cup Parmesan, freshly grated
07 -
A pinch of salt, or as needed
08 -
1 teaspoon of Italian herb blend
09 -
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped finely
10 -
1 medium-sized onion, diced finely
11 -
3 garlic cloves, minced
12 -
1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
→ Creamy Sauce
13 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 -
2 cups of Parmesan cheese, grated
15 -
1 1/2 cups of heavy cream (35% fat)
16 -
1 tablespoon of parsley, chopped (to top)
17 -
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
18 -
5 ounces (150g) of baby spinach leaves
19 -
4 tablespoons of butter
20 -
6 slices of bacon
21 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by cranking your oven up to 450°F (235°C) and get a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
02 -
Combine the milk and breadcrumbs in a mixed bowl and let them soak together for a couple of minutes until soft.
03 -
Use a food processor to chop onion, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parsley until everything is nice and fine.
04 -
Gently fold together the processed mix, ricotta, turkey, soaked breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt in a big bowl. Try not to overmix it!
05 -
Roll the mixture into 18-20 meatballs (about 2.5 inches each). Arrange them on the baking sheet, spritz lightly with cooking spray, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the outsides get crispy.
06 -
Cook your bacon in a heavy skillet until crispy, set it aside, then melt the butter in the same pan. Sauté minced garlic until it smells amazing.
07 -
Slowly pour in the cream, stirring as it comes to a simmer. Mix in salt and pepper, then melt in Parmesan while whisking gently.
08 -
Toss in spinach and stir until it wilts. Gently add the cooked meatballs, let it all cook together for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens. Sprinkle with bacon bits and fresh parsley before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Chicken or turkey both work great!
02 -
Ricotta adds a soft and tender texture to these meatballs.
03 -
Pairs wonderfully with any pasta you love.