Description
These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach are a delicious, protein-packed meal featuring tender ground chicken mixed with creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and herbs. Baked to perfection and simmered in a flavorful marinara sauce, they offer a healthy and comforting dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Sauce
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, finely chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per meatball, scoop and roll into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to help with browning and moisture.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Simmer in Sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them into the sauce and let them simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb the flavors and stay moist.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot, ideally with your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Use fresh spinach finely chopped to blend well in the mixture.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety.
- Simmering in marinara sauce keeps the meatballs moist and adds extra flavor.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated in the sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes plus 5-10 minutes simmering
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
