This Keto 41g Protein Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo has a creamy texture and savory flavor. Ground chicken, ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, almond flour, egg, garlic, Italian spice, parsley, and seasonings are used to make these cheesy meatballs. These cheesy meatballs contain approximately 520 calories and only 5 g of net carbs. These cheesy meatballs take about 50 minutes to prepare. These Keto 41g Protein Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo are perfect for lunch, dinner, family meals, weekly meal prep, cozy weekends, holiday gatherings, and special occasions. You can serve these cheesy meatballs with Zucchini Noodles, Cauliflower Mash, Garlic Butter Broccoli, Parmesan Brussels Sprouts, or Avocado Cucumber Salad.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
STATS:
- Course: Main Course
- Cook Duration: 30 minutes
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Diet: Keto
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Overall Yields: 4
- Prep Duration: 20 minutes
- Portion Size: 4 meatballs
- Cooking Method: Bake & Stovetop
- Difficulty: Easy
TOOLS:
- Mixing bowl
- Sheet
- Baking paper
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
- Silicone spatula
- Cheese grater
- Meat scoop
INGREDIENTS:
MEATBALLS:
- 1½ pounds chicken
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- One egg
- Two tbsp. almond flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
SPINACH ALFREDO SAUCE:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups spinach
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt
INGREDIENT NOTES & THEIR KETO SUBSTITUTIONS:
GROUND CHICKEN:
- We utilize ground chicken because it provides lean protein and keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
RICOTTA CHEESE:
- We use ricotta cheese because it creates a soft, creamy texture and helps keep the meatballs moist. As a replacement, you can use blended full-fat cottage cheese, mascarpone, or cream cheese.
PARMESAN CHEESE:
- Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty flavor and helps bind the meatballs and Alfredo sauce. Instead, you can use Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Grana Padano.
EGG:
- We utilize an egg because it binds the ingredients together and keeps the meatballs from falling apart. As a substitute, you can use a flax egg, chia egg, or an extra tablespoon of ricotta cheese.
GARLIC:
- Garlic provides a rich, savory flavor and delicious aroma.
BUTTER:
- Butter gives the Alfredo sauce more depth and taste. As a replacement, you can use ghee, avocado oil, or olive oil.
FRESH SPINACH:
- Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a mild earthy flavor to the sauce. As an alternative, you can use kale, Swiss chard, or baby arugula.
OLIVE OIL:
- We use olive oil to lightly coat the meatballs before baking and add healthy fats. As a substitute, you can use avocado oil, melted ghee, or coconut oil.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Warm the oven to 200°Celcius and coat a sheet with baking paper.
- Stir the pepper, ground chicken, salt, ricotta, paprika, Parmesan, onion powder, egg, Italian seasoning, almond flour, parsley, and garlic in a dish.
- Make sixteen meatballs by shaping the mixture and put them on a sheet.
- Gently coat with olive oil and bake for twenty-five minutes
- Heat the butter in a pan; include garlic & cook for almost one minute.
- Fill with heavy cream and slowly cook for almost four minutes.
- Whisk in Parmesan till smooth and include spinach and cook till wilted.
- Add salt, nutmeg, and pepper as garnish.
- Put these meatballs in the prepared sauce.
- Carefully mix to coat and slowly cook for almost three minutes, then serve.
TIPS:
- We utilize freshly grated Parmesan to get the smoothest sauce.
- Avoid whisking the meatball mixture too much.
- Cool the meatballs for almost five minutes and then serve.
- Include red pepper flakes for additional spice.
- We utilize fresh herbs to get a fresh taste.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
VEGETABLES:
- Garlic Butter Broccoli
- Roasted Asparagus
- Sautéed Green Beans
- Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
- Roasted Cauliflower
SALADS:
- Caesar Salad
- Greek Salad
- Avocado Cucumber Salad
- Spinach Salad
- Cabbage Slaw
SIDE DISHES:
- Cauliflower Mash
- Cheesy Cauliflower Rice
- Garlic Butter Mushrooms
- Keto Dinner Rolls
- Creamed Spinach
NOODLES:
- Zucchini Noodles
- Shirataki Noodles
- Hearts of Palm Pasta
- Spaghetti Squash
- Cabbage Noodles
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Put these cheesy meatballs in a closed box and stock them for about 2 to 4 days.
FREEZER:
- Store the meatballs individually from the sauce for nearly 85 to 90 days.
FAQs:
Could we prepare these cheesy meatballs earlier?
- Yes, you can bake the meatballs earlier and chill till required.
How will we thicken the Alfredo sauce?
- You can slowly cook for a long time or include additional Parmesan cheese.
Will we include frozen spinach?
- Yes, you can use frozen spinach; defrost it and squeeze out the additional water first.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 41 g
Fat: 34 g
Total Carbs: 7 g
Fiber: 2 g
Net Carbs: 5 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 690 mg
Portion Size: 4 baked chicken ricotta meatballs