Easy Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Sauce Recipe

Succulent chicken ricotta meatballs promise a delightful culinary adventure that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance through these tender, protein-packed spheres of deliciousness.

Smooth ricotta cheese infuses each morsel with incredible moisture and richness.

Unexpected spices and herbs intertwine, creating a symphony of taste that captivates your palate.

The accompanying creamy spinach sauce adds luxurious depth and complexity to every bite.

Delicate yet robust, these meatballs offer a perfect balance between comfort and sophistication.

You will find this recipe irresistibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to master.

Explore a meal that enhances an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

Ingredients for Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Sauce

• Ground Chicken, Ricotta Cheese: Provides tender and rich protein base for meatballs, lean and creamy texture works perfectly together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps bind the meatballs.
• Egg: Helps hold meatballs together and provides moisture.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates structure and helps absorb moisture in meatballs.
• Garlic: Brings aromatic and pungent flavor to the meat mixture.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides traditional herbal notes and depth of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

• Butter: Creates rich foundation for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious and smooth texture to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and saltiness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Introduces aromatic and sharp flavor profile.
• Spinach: Provides fresh green color and nutritional boost.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and enhances sauce flavors.

• Pasta: Perfect base for serving meatballs and sauce.

Step-by-Step for Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in Spinach Sauce

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Meatball Ingredients

• Ground chicken
• Ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix until everything is evenly distributed. Avoid overworking the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Meatballs

Roll the mixture into 1-inch round meatballs using your hands. Place each meatball carefully on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for even cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Create Creamy Spinach Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously and let the sauce simmer until it starts to thicken.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Add chopped fresh spinach to the cream sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy and smooth.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Place the golden meatballs over your favorite pasta. Generously drizzle the velvety spinach cream sauce on top. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.

Helpful Tips for Making Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Shine

• Master Meatball Binding: Mix ingredients gently to prevent dense, tough meatballs and ensure a lighter, more tender texture.
• Temperature Control Technique: Use an instant-read thermometer to check that chicken meatballs reach 165°F internally for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Cheese Selection Strategy: Choose fresh, high-quality ricotta with minimal moisture to help meatballs maintain their shape and prevent excess liquid.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Slowly add cream and continuously whisk to prevent sauce from separating and achieve a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Herb Enhancement Trick: Consider adding fresh chopped basil or parsley to the meatball mixture for an extra layer of aromatic flavor that complements the creamy spinach sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Sauce

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Reheat Stovetop: Gently warm meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain moisture, about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave Option: Place meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the creamy, rich meatballs with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, cutting through the richness and enhancing the delicate chicken and spinach flavors.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect sidekick with warm, toasted garlic bread that helps soak up the luscious creamy spinach sauce, adding extra texture and flavor to the meal.
• Match with Light Arugula Salad: Balance the heaviness of the meatballs with a fresh, peppery arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, bringing brightness and acidity to the dish.
• Choose Soft Italian Red Wine: For wine lovers, a light Chianti or Barbera will wonderfully match the chicken meatballs, offering a smooth counterpoint to the creamy sauce without overpowering the delicate protein.

Twists on Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Sauce

• Mediterranean Meatball Fusion: Replace Italian seasoning with oregano, mint, and za'atar. Add crumbled feta cheese to the meatball mixture for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Meatballs: Incorporate diced jalapeños, ground cumin, and chili powder into the meatball mix. Top the sauce with fresh cilantro and serve over Mexican-style rice.
• Pesto Cream Transformation: Swap spinach sauce with homemade basil pesto cream. Blend roasted pine nuts into the sauce for extra richness and nutty complexity. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added herbal brightness.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Option: Skip pasta and serve meatballs over spiralized zucchini noodles. Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining tender meatball texture.

FAQs for Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Sauce

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for the meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute and will work perfectly with the same seasonings and preparation method.

• How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, or cut one open to ensure there’s no pink in the center.

• Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

• Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and use low-fat ricotta and Parmesan to reduce the overall calorie content while maintaining great flavor.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Sauce

• Indulge in a dish that combines tender chicken meatballs with a luxuriously smooth spinach sauce, creating a perfect balance of protein and greens that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Discover a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under an hour, with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that make you look like a culinary pro without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Enjoy a protein-packed meal that sneaks in leafy greens through a creamy sauce, making it a secretly healthy option that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction for both kids and adults.
• Experience a recipe that works perfectly as a weeknight family meal, impressive date night dish, or crowd-pleasing option for gatherings, with easy adaptability to different pasta types or side dishes.

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs With Creamy Spinach Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken ricotta meatballs dance in a silky spinach sauce, delivering Mediterranean comfort on a plate. Delicate herbs and ricotta cheese elevate these tender morsels, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground chicken
• ½ cup (120 ml/120 grams) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (480 ml) fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

Cheese Ingredients:

• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• ½ cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Serving:

• Cooked pasta

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to a robust 400°F, preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet for the meatballs.
2. Mix ground chicken with ricotta, creating a smooth protein base that ensures tender texture. Incorporate grated Parmesan, a beaten egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and a blend of Italian herbs for depth of flavor.
3. Gently shape the mixture into uniform spherical meatballs, approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring consistent cooking and appealing presentation.
4. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to promote uniform heat circulation and golden exterior development.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to achieve an even, golden-brown exterior and thoroughly cooked interior.
6. While meatballs bake, craft the luxurious spinach sauce by melting butter in a saucepan and softening fresh garlic until fragrant.
7. Stream heavy cream into the butter-garlic base, whisking continuously to create a smooth foundation. Fold in Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and integrate seamlessly.
8. Simmer the sauce gently, stirring periodically to prevent scorching and encourage thickening. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon elegantly.
9. Introduce freshly chopped spinach to the creamy mixture, stirring until the leaves wilt and incorporate completely. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
10. Once meatballs are perfectly cooked, nestle them atop your preferred pasta and lavish with the vibrant, creamy spinach sauce. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Whip up these tender chicken meatballs packed with ricotta for a protein-rich, creamy delight that elevates your typical meatball recipe.
• Baking instead of frying ensures a healthier meal with less oil and mess, while achieving a beautifully golden exterior.
• Choose fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese to enhance the overall flavor profile and create a more authentic Italian-inspired dish.
• Perfectly season your meatballs with Italian herbs and garlic to infuse depth and aromatic notes throughout the meat mixture.
• The creamy spinach sauce transforms ordinary meatballs into an elegant, restaurant-style meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
• Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the optimal texture of crisp meatball edges and luxuriously smooth sauce consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg