These tender and juicy chicken meatballs are infused with creamy ricotta cheese and fresh spinach, making them a nutritious and protein-packed meal. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs, they can be served over pasta, zucchini noodles, or enjoyed on their own with a side of marinara sauce. Whether baked or pan-fried, these meatballs are a delicious and easy addition to any meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy & Tender – Ricotta cheese keeps the meatballs moist and flavorful.
- Healthy & High-Protein – Made with lean ground chicken and nutrient-dense spinach.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
- Versatile – Serve with pasta, salad, or as an appetizer.
- Great for Meal Prep – Freezer-friendly and perfect for batch cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking, if pan-frying)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until well incorporated but avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Form the Meatballs
- Use your hands or a cookie scoop to roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Cook the Meatballs
Baking Method:
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Pan-Frying Method:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, for about 8–10 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve with marinara sauce, pasta, zucchini noodles, or as a protein-packed appetizer.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per serving
Variations
- Dairy-Free Option – Swap ricotta and Parmesan for dairy-free alternatives or omit them entirely.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Different Protein – Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a similar result.
- Extra Herbs – Fresh basil or parsley can enhance the flavor.
- Low-Carb & Gluten-Free – Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking or reheating.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Thaw and drain excess water before mixing into the meatball mixture.
What sauce pairs best with these meatballs?
Marinara, pesto, Alfredo, or even a lemon-garlic butter sauce work great.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
How do I make sure the meatballs stay moist?
The ricotta cheese helps keep them tender, but avoid overbaking or overmixing.
Can I serve these without sauce?
Absolutely! These meatballs taste great on their own, in a salad, or in a wrap.
What sides go well with this dish?
Try roasted vegetables, garlic bread, couscous, or a fresh Greek salad.
Are these meatballs kid-friendly?
Yes! They are mild in flavor, but you can omit garlic or spinach if needed.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Make a larger batch for meal prep or freezing.
How can I make these meatballs extra crispy?
Broil for the last 2 minutes of baking to create a golden crust.
Do I need to use an egg?
The egg helps bind the ingredients, but you can replace it with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).
Conclusion
Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach are a flavorful, protein-rich dish that’s easy to make and incredibly versatile. Whether served over pasta, with a side of marinara, or in a salad, these tender meatballs are sure to become a family favorite. Try them today and customize them to your taste!
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Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach – A Flavorful & Healthy Twist
These Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach are juicy, protein-packed, and bursting with Italian flavors. Made with lean ground chicken, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach, they are tender, nutritious, and easy to prepare. Serve them with marinara sauce, over pasta, or as a low-carb appetizer for a versatile meal the whole family will love!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking, if pan-frying)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Form the Meatballs
Use your hands or a cookie scoop to roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Cook the Meatballs
- Baking Method: Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pan-Frying Method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, for about 8–10 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Serve with marinara sauce, pasta, zucchini noodles, or as a protein-packed appetizer.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free ricotta and Parmesan or omit them.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick.
- Protein Swap: Try ground turkey instead of chicken.
- Extra Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley can enhance the flavor.
- Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Meal Prep
- Method: Baking, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Italian, Healthy
