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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Heat the oven to a robust 400°F, preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet for the meatballs.
- 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.
- Gently shape the mixture into uniform spherical meatballs, approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring consistent cooking and appealing presentation.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to promote uniform heat circulation and golden exterior development.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to achieve an even, golden-brown exterior and thoroughly cooked interior.
- While meatballs bake, craft the luxurious spinach sauce by melting butter in a saucepan and softening fresh garlic until fragrant.
- 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.
- Simmer the sauce gently, stirring periodically to prevent scorching and encourage thickening. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon elegantly.
- 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.
- 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