Prepare the Meatballs:

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (235°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup, making it ideal for beginner cooks.
• In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with milk. Set aside to soak for 2 minutes. This softens the breadcrumbs and adds moisture to the meatballs, resulting in a tender texture.
• Add the onion, garlic, parsley, and sun-dried tomatoes to your food processor, pulse until finely chopped, scraping down the sides if needed. This ensures the vegetables are evenly distributed in the meatballs, adding flavor to every bite.   
   
• In a large bowl, combine the mixture with the chicken, the soaked breadcrumbs, egg, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix just until combined. Don’t overmix or it will be dense. This keeps the meatballs tender and light, preventing them from becoming tough.   
   
• Shape the mixture into 18-20 (2.5-inch) meatballs. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Spray with cooking oil spray. This helps them brown evenly and prevents sticking, ensuring a crispy exterior.   
   
• Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are crisp on the outside and cooked through. This ensures the meatballs are cooked safely and thoroughly, preventing foodborne illness.
• Note: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the safest way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked, providing peace of mind for beginner cooks.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

• Heat a large skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat. Fry bacon until crispy. Transfer to a plate. This renders the fat and creates crispy bacon, adding a savory element to the dish.
• In the same pan, melt butter. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. This infuses the butter with garlic flavor, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Add the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 minutes. This thickens the cream slightly, creating a richer sauce.
• Season with black pepper and salt. This enhances the flavors of the sauce, balancing the richness and adding depth.
• Whisk in the Parmesan cheese and cook until melted. This creates a smooth, creamy sauce, adding a nutty flavor.
• Finally, add the baby spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes or until wilted. This adds nutrients and color to the sauce, creating a vibrant and healthy element.

Combine Meatballs and Sauce:

• Add the baked meatballs and cook further for 2 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. This allows the meatballs to absorb the sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Garnish and Serve:

• Chop the bacon and top the sauce. This adds a crispy, savory garnish, enhancing the texture of the dish.
• Serve immediately with pasta of your choice. This creates a complete and satisfying meal, making it perfect for family dinners.