Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Recipe
This Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Recipe is a light, flavorful twist on traditional meatballs! Made with juicy ground chicken, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach, these baked meatballs are tender, protein-packed, and full of Italian-inspired flavor. Perfect with pasta, in a sub, or on their own with marinara A wholesome, family-friendly meal ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
- 1 cup chopped spinach fresh or frozen, drained
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for baking sheet
Optional Toppings:
- Marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella or extra Parmesan
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly brush it with olive oil.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- Add the ground chicken, ricotta, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, spinach, garlic, and seasoning to a large bowl. Mix with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Don’t overmix — it can make the meatballs tough.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
- Use a small scoop or spoon to form balls about 1½ inches wide. Roll them gently between your palms. Try to make them all the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Bake
- Arrange the meatballs on the sheet pan, leaving some space between each one. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until they turn golden and the centers are cooked through.
Step 5: Add Sauce (Optional)
- If you like saucy meatballs, spoon marinara over them once they’re baked. Sprinkle mozzarella or extra Parmesan on top. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes, until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Ricotta Cheese: Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest, most tender meatballs. Drain any excess liquid before mixing.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. If using frozen, make sure to squeeze out all water before adding.
- Chicken: Lean ground chicken works best. Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the texture soft and juicy.
- Baking Tip: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup and even browning.
- Flavor Boost: Add Italian herbs, garlic, and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor depth.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with spaghetti and marinara sauce or enjoy as a protein-packed appetizer with garlic bread.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 2 months.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 390 kcal |Carbohydrates: 9 g |
Fiber: 1 g |
Sugars: 2 g |
Protein: 35 g |
Fat: 22 g |
Saturated Fat: 9 g |
Cholesterol: 125 mg |
Sodium: 570 mg |
Potassium: 640 mg |
Calcium: 220 mg |
Iron: 2.5 mg