Description
These Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional meatballs. Made with ground chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, and nutritious spinach, these meatballs are flavorful and easy to make. Whether served on their own, over pasta, or with marinara sauce, they are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking or pan-searing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Form Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until meatballs are golden and cooked through. Optionally, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes for extra browning.
- Serve: Serve warm on their own, over pasta, with marinara sauce, or as a healthy appetizer.
Notes
- These meatballs can also be pan-seared in a skillet over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 2 months and bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.
- Great served with zoodles, grain bowls, or inside a wrap.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
