Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Bake
These baked chicken meatballs with spinach and Alfredo sauce are the ultimate cozy dinner idea! Tender, juicy chicken meatballs are packed with flavor, baked until golden, then smothered in rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and topped with melty cheese. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but comes together with simple ingredients. Perfect for family meals, meal prep, or even serving over pasta for a comforting Italian-inspired dish. If you love creamy chicken recipes that are both satisfying and simple, this one is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Alfredo Sauce Layer:
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking dish (9×13-inch works well)
- Baking sheet (optional for pre-baking)
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender 😊.
3️⃣ Shape the Meatballs
Form into 1½-inch meatballs (about 16–18 total). Place evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
4️⃣ Bake the Meatballs
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
5️⃣ Assemble with Alfredo Sauce
Transfer baked meatballs into a lightly greased baking dish. Pour Alfredo sauce evenly over them, making sure each meatball is coated.
6️⃣ Add the Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top 🧀.
7️⃣ Final Bake
Return to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
8️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley 🌿.
💡 Pro Tips
- Extra moisture: Add 1–2 tablespoons milk to the meat mixture if it feels too firm.
- Make ahead: You can prep and shape the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze baked (unsauced) meatballs for up to 2 months.
🔄 Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Pasta Version: Serve over fettuccine or penne for a complete meal.
- Veggie Boost: Add finely chopped mushrooms to the meatballs.
❓ FAQ
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes — thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Absolutely! It works almost identically to ground chicken.
What can I serve this with?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.