Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach

These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach are the perfect fusion of creamy, savory, and wholesome. Made with lean ground chicken, velvety ricotta, and fresh spinach, this dish offers a comforting yet healthy take on traditional meatballs. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or serving guests at a dinner party, these meatballs are sure to impress. Their light, moist texture and rich flavor profile make them a standout dish, while baking instead of frying keeps things nutritious and simple.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground chicken

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, chopped spinach, Parmesan, egg, garlic, and seasonings. Mix well until evenly combined.

3. Adjust Texture: If the mixture feels too wet to form balls, add a small amount of breadcrumbs until it holds its shape easily.

4. Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1½ inches in diameter. You should get around 20–24 meatballs depending on size.

5. Bake: Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until they’re golden and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F or 74°C).

6. Serve: Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving with your favorite sauce or sides.
   
   

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are incredibly versatile:

• Serve over spaghetti with marinara for a wholesome twist on a classic.

• Enjoy them with a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce and pasta.

• Pair with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a low-carb option.

• Serve as an appetizer with a toothpick and dipping sauce at parties or gatherings.
  
  

Perfectly complemented by a glass of light red wine like Pinot Noir or a zesty white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving of 4 meatballs)

• Calories: 250–300

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 14g

• Carbohydrates: 6g

• Fiber: 1g

• Calcium: Excellent source

• Vitamins: High in vitamin A, K, and iron from spinach
  
  

Note: Nutritional information will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes used.