Super Tender Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Sauce Recipe

Succulent chicken ricotta meatballs dance with flavor in a velvety spinach sauce that promises pure comfort.

These tender morsels blend rich, creamy textures with herbs and spices in every delightful bite.

Weeknight dinners never looked so elegant or tasted so satisfying.

Each meatball carries a whisper of Italian inspiration, packed with delicate ricotta and ground chicken.

The accompanying spinach sauce adds a luxurious touch that turns a simple meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Warm plates and hungry souls await this delectable dish that brings Mediterranean charm right to your kitchen.

Dive into this recipe and savor every irresistible forkful.

How to Store and Reheat the Meatballs Right

• Smart Storage Solutions for Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
• Refrigerator Rescue: Store leftover meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: Wrap cooled meatballs individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months, ready for quick future meals.
• Reheating Magic: Warm meatballs gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth to prevent drying, or microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle.
• Sauce Separation Strategy: Keep creamy spinach sauce in a separate container to prevent soggy meatballs, allowing you to refresh the dish's original zesty appeal when reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 466 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Sauce Ingredients

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base that creates tender, juicy meatballs with lighter flavor compared to beef.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds incredible moisture and softness, preventing dry meatballs with smooth texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides deep savory complexity and helps bind ingredients together.
• Breadcrumbs: Absorbs moisture and helps maintain meatball structure during cooking.
• Egg: Natural binding agent that keeps meatballs cohesive and prevents crumbling.

• Garlic: Brings robust aromatic depth and classic Italian flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Delivers harmonious herb blend with traditional Mediterranean notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate overall taste.

• Butter: Creates rich foundation and smooth base for sauce development.
• Heavy Cream: Generates luxurious, silky texture with indulgent mouthfeel.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, sharp undertones and helps thicken sauce naturally.
• Spinach: Introduces vibrant color, nutritional boost, and fresh earthy flavor.

Kitchen Setup for Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting meatballs evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining meatball ingredients and mixing thoroughly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Cheese Grater: Helps grate Parmesan cheese quickly.
• Saucepan: Perfect for creating creamy spinach sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir sauce and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping spinach and mincing garlic.

Meatball Prep Made Simple and Creamy

• Meatball Mixture

Blend ground chicken with ricotta, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined.

• Meatball Formation

Shape the mixture into small round balls, keeping them uniform in size for even cooking.

• Baking Process

Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast in a 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and fully cooked.

• Sauce Creation

Melt butter in a pan, sauté minced garlic, then pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer and thicken slightly.

• Spinach Infusion

Add chopped spinach to the cream sauce, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the sauce becomes smooth and vibrant green.

• Serving

Arrange cooked meatballs over warm pasta, generously drizzle the creamy spinach sauce on top, and enjoy immediately while hot.

Customizing the Sauce and Meatball Blend

• Sneaky Meal Prep Magic: Prepare meatballs and sauce ahead of time, storing separately in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners that taste freshly made.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace ground chicken with ground turkey or lean beef for different flavor profiles while maintaining the recipe's delicious creamy texture.
• Veggie Boost Hack: Add finely chopped zucchini or carrots into meatball mixture for extra nutrition and moisture, keeping the blend light and tender.
• Spice Level Adventure: Kick up heat by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or incorporating cayenne pepper into the meatball mixture for those who love a zesty bite.
• Low-Carb Twist: Skip pasta and serve meatballs over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that keeps all the rich, creamy goodness.

Serving Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Style

• Cozy Pasta Night Delight: Spoon these juicy chicken ricotta meatballs over a bed of al dente spaghetti or fettuccine for a comforting family dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Mediterranean Plate Presentation: Arrange the meatballs alongside a fresh Greek salad and warm pita bread, creating a Mediterranean-inspired meal that brings vibrant flavors to your table.
• Low-Carb Veggie Option: Serve the meatballs and creamy spinach sauce over roasted zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, nutrient-packed alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Appetizer Twist: Transform these meatballs into bite-sized party snacks by making them smaller, skewering with toothpicks, and drizzling with extra sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer during gatherings.

Hearty Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Sauce

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken ricotta meatballs dance in a luxurious creamy spinach sauce, bringing Italian comfort to your dinner table. Mediterranean flavors meld seamlessly, inviting you to savor each comforting, herb-infused bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground chicken
• ½ cup (120 ml/120 grams) ricotta cheese
• ¾ cup (75 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (480 ml) fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 egg
• ½ cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsps (30 grams) butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked pasta

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to a searing 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal meatball roasting.
2. Meatball Composition: Blend ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, and Italian herbs into a cohesive mixture, ensuring robust flavor and tender consistency.
3. Shaping: Craft uniform spherical meatballs, approximately one inch in diameter, promoting even cooking and visual appeal.
4. Initial Roasting: Distribute meatballs across the prepared sheet, allowing ample space for heat circulation and golden crust development.
5. Baking Process: Roast for 20-25 minutes, rotating midpoint to achieve consistent golden-brown exterior and thorough internal cooking.
6. Sauce Foundation: Melt butter in a saucepan, infusing with garlic until aromatic and translucent.
7. Cream Integration: Introduce heavy cream to the butter-garlic base, whisking continuously while incorporating Parmesan cheese for a silky, rich texture.
8. Sauce Refinement: Simmer gently, stirring periodically to prevent burning and encourage luxurious thickening.
9. Spinach Finale: Fold chopped spinach into the creamy mixture, allowing leaves to wilt and meld seamlessly. Season with salt and pepper to elevate flavor complexity.
10. Serving: Plate meatballs over preferred pasta, cascading the vibrant spinach sauce generously. Serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and gastronomic integrity.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Texture: Use room temperature ricotta and egg to prevent dense, tough meatballs and ensure a light, tender bite.
• Prevent Sticking: Lightly oil your hands before shaping meatballs to create smooth, uniform spheres that won’t cling to your fingers.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Watch cream sauce carefully while simmering; low and slow prevents separation and maintains silky smoothness.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast breadcrumbs briefly before mixing into meatball mixture to unlock deeper, nuttier undertones and improve overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 466
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 146 mg