Description
These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach are a flavorful twist on classic meatballs. Made with ground chicken, creamy ricotta, and nutritious spinach, these meatballs are baked to perfection and served with a savory marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and spinach. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake: Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until the meatballs are golden and cooked through.
- Warm the Marinara: Meanwhile, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan.
- Serve: Transfer the baked meatballs to a serving dish and spoon marinara sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve with pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread.
Notes
- These meatballs can be made ahead and frozen, either before or after baking.
- For a lower-carb version, swap breadcrumbs for almond flour.
- They also make a great appetizer when served with toothpicks and warm marinara dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
