Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce: A Weight Watchers-Friendly Recipe

Elevate your meal planning with this delicious and nutritious recipe for Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce. Perfectly balanced for Weight Watchers, this dish combines lean chicken and creamy ricotta with a flavorful, veggie-packed Alfredo sauce. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to stay within their SmartPoints while enjoying a hearty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (low-fat or part-skim)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking)

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
  • 1/2 cup low-fat cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

2. Make the Meatballs:

  • In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
  • Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Lightly spray the meatballs with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to help them brown.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven and set aside.

3. Prepare the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:

  • In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in the almond milk and low-fat cream cheese, and cook until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
  • Add grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.

4. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:

  • Add the baked meatballs to the saucepan with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss to coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce.
  • Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Serve:

  • Divide the meatballs and sauce among serving plates.
  • Garnish with extra chopped parsley or additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Information and Weight Watchers SmartPoints (Per Serving, Makes 4 Servings):

For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs (4 Meatballs per Serving):

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Total Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • SmartPoints: 6 per serving

For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce (1/4 of Recipe):

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • SmartPoints: 4 per serving

Total SmartPoints for the Full Serving (Meatballs + Sauce): 10

Additional Tips:

Meatball Variations:

  • For a Lower Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-sodium cheeses.
  • For Extra Veggies: Add finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini to the meatball mixture.

Sauce Alternatives:

  • Cream Cheese Substitutes: Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can be used instead of cream cheese for a lighter option.
  • Non-Dairy Options: Use cashew cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free version of the Alfredo sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Pair with Veggies: Serve the meatballs and sauce over steamed vegetables or a bed of cauliflower rice for a complete keto-friendly meal.
  • Garnish: Fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a touch of flavor and color.

Storage:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: The meatballs and sauce can be frozen separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce, perfectly tailored to fit within your Weight Watchers plan while still delivering on taste and texture. This meal is an excellent choice for those who are conscious of their Smart Points but don’t want to compromise on flavor.