Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach

If you’re craving comfort food that’s both healthy and indulgent, these Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach are exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken meatballs infused with the creamy richness of ricotta, combined with the earthiness of spinach—all baked to golden perfection. These meatballs are the perfect balance of flavor and texture, and the best part? They’re oven-baked, so you get all the crispy edges without the mess of frying. They’re the kind of dish that makes you feel good while satisfying your taste buds. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach

Flavor-Packed:

These meatballs are bursting with flavor from the ricotta cheese and spinach, bringing a whole new level to the classic chicken meatball. Every bite is full of creamy, savory goodness!

Healthy Yet Hearty:

Packed with lean chicken, nutrient-rich spinach, and lightened up with ricotta, these meatballs are a guilt-free option that’s just as satisfying as the heavy versions.

Oven-Baked Goodness:

Say goodbye to frying and hello to these baked beauties. They come out perfectly cooked with a golden crust on the outside and tender on the inside, making them as easy to clean up as they are to eat.

Versatile:

You can serve them as a main dish with a side of pasta, alongside a salad, or even make them into a sandwich or wrap. They’re so flexible, they can easily be adapted to fit any meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delicious meatballs to life:

For the Meatballs:

• Ground Chicken: The lean protein base that keeps these meatballs tender and juicy.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy texture and richness to the meatballs.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach, wilted and chopped, gives these meatballs a veggie boost.
• Breadcrumbs: These help bind everything together while giving the meatballs some structure.
• Egg: Used to hold everything together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, umami kick to the meatballs.
• Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way in flavoring these meatballs.
• Herbs and Spices: Dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper give these meatballs a classic Italian flavor.

For the Sauce (optional):

• Marinara Sauce: To serve on the side or pour over the meatballs for a classic touch.
• Fresh Basil: For garnish, if you want to elevate the flavor and appearance.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these delicious meatballs!

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the meatballs from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatballs tough.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Scoop out about a tablespoon of the meatball mixture and roll it between your hands to form a ball. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, serve the meatballs with marinara sauce on the side or pour the sauce over the top for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and added flavor. Enjoy with your favorite side or pasta!

How to Serve Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach

These meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

• With Pasta: Serve them over spaghetti or another pasta for a traditional, comforting Italian meal.
• As Meatball Sliders: Place the meatballs on small buns with some marinara sauce and melted cheese for a fun, handheld version.
• With Salad: For a lighter meal, serve the meatballs alongside a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• On Rice: These meatballs pair beautifully with a bed of fluffy rice, making for a complete, balanced meal.
• With Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside roasted veggies like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for a healthy and colorful side.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead:

You can prep the meatballs in advance by shaping them and storing them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This makes for an easy weeknight dinner when you’re short on time.

Freeze Them:

These meatballs freeze really well! After baking, let them cool and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or microwave.

Add Extra Veggies:

Feel free to sneak in other veggies like grated carrots or mushrooms to boost the nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Spice It Up:

If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or top the meatballs with a drizzle of hot sauce.

Cheese Variations:

Try different cheeses like mozzarella or even ricotta with herbs to change up the flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 155mg
Sodium: 490mg
Total Carbohydrates: 9g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 40g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

FAQs

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well as chicken in these meatballs, giving them a slightly leaner twist.

Q2: Can I use frozen spinach?

A2: Yes, you can use frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the meatball mixture.

Q3: Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

A3: Yes! Just swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or a gluten-free flour option like almond flour.

Q4: Can I freeze the meatballs before baking?

A4: Definitely! Shape the meatballs and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Q5: Can I bake these meatballs in a casserole dish?

A5: Yes! You can place the meatballs in a baking dish and bake them with marinara sauce on top. Cover with foil for the first 10 minutes to keep them moist, then uncover for the remaining time to brown.

Q6: How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

A6: The best way to ensure they’re cooked through is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C).

Q7: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

A7: Yes! You can prepare them and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. They can also be cooked and reheated later.

Q8: Can I use ricotta cheese from a tub?

A8: Yes, ricotta cheese from a tub works perfectly. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before using it.

Q9: Can I add extra cheese to the meatballs?

A9: Absolutely! You can mix in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese into the meatball mixture for extra cheesy goodness.

Q10: Can I serve these meatballs with a different sauce?

A10: Yes! While marinara is classic, you could serve these with alfredo sauce, pesto, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a different twist.

Conclusion

These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach are a wholesome and delicious twist on the classic meatball. They’re flavorful, easy to make, and sure to satisfy the whole family. Whether you serve them with pasta, salad, or just enjoy them on their own, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. So, get ready to indulge in a meal that’s just as comforting as it is nutritious!

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