Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach

Get ready to indulge in a healthy yet incredibly satisfying meal with these Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach! These tender, flavorful meatballs are packed with lean chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, and nutrient-rich spinach. They’re baked to perfection, keeping them light and juicy while still bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, in a sub, or on their own, they’re sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach

• Healthy Yet Delicious: Packed with lean chicken, spinach, and ricotta, these meatballs are a wholesome and light option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
• Juicy and Tender: The ricotta cheese keeps the meatballs moist and tender, making every bite a satisfying one.
• Easy to Make: These meatballs are simple to prepare and bake, making them a great option for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
• Versatile: Enjoy them with spaghetti, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer. They’re a perfect addition to any meal.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:
Ground Chicken: Lean protein that gives these meatballs a light and tender texture.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and keeps the meatballs moist.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color, flavor, and a boost of nutrients.
Egg: Binds everything together and helps hold the meatballs together while baking.
Garlic: For that savory, aromatic flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Adds structure and texture to the meatballs.
Parmesan Cheese: A little extra cheese for flavor and richness.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.

For the Sauce:
Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing with meatballs that adds a tangy, savory flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, spinach, egg, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but be careful not to overmix, as this could affect the texture.

Form the Meatballs:
Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.

Bake the Meatballs:
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (you can check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F).

Serve with Marinara Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, serve them with the warm marinara sauce.

Enjoy:
Serve the meatballs on their own, with spaghetti, or in a sub roll for a delicious sandwich. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach

These meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

• With Pasta: Serve them over spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice.
• As a Sub: Place the meatballs in a hoagie bun with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for a delicious meatball sub.
• As an Appetizer: Serve them with toothpicks and a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
• With a Side Salad: Pair them with a crisp green salad for a light and balanced meal.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach will give the meatballs the best flavor and texture. If you need to use frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the mixture.
• Don’t Overmix: To keep the meatballs tender, mix the ingredients just until combined—overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
• Bake in Batches: If you don’t have room for all the meatballs on one sheet, feel free to bake them in two batches.
• Add a Little Kick: For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
• Freezing: These meatballs freeze beautifully. Freeze them after baking (without the sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
A1: Yes, ground turkey works just as well as ground chicken for this recipe.

Q2: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze them before baking for an easy meal later on.

Q3: Can I skip the ricotta cheese?
A3: The ricotta helps keep the meatballs moist and tender. If you want to skip it, you can use an equal amount of Greek yogurt or just increase the breadcrumbs.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to the meatballs?
A4: Absolutely! You can add grated carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost the veggie content. Just be sure to finely chop or grate them to avoid altering the texture.

Q5: Can I make these meatballs without breadcrumbs?
A5: Yes, you can use almond flour or oat flour as a gluten-free alternative to breadcrumbs.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q7: Can I freeze these meatballs?
A7: Yes, freeze the baked meatballs (without the sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Q8: Can I use a different cheese?
A8: Yes, you can substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese or mozzarella if you prefer.

Q9: How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
A9: The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F, and they should be golden brown on the outside.

Q10: Can I make these meatballs without marinara sauce?
A10: Absolutely! You can serve the meatballs with any sauce you like, such as pesto, alfredo, or even a balsamic glaze.

Conclusion

These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach are a tasty and nutritious option for any meal. With their juicy texture, cheesy goodness, and healthy spinach, they’re bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying them with pasta, as a sub, or as an appetizer, these meatballs will become a family favorite in no time!

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