Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Recipe
These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are a delicious and healthier twist on traditional meatballs. Tender ground chicken is combined with creamy ricotta, Parmesan, fresh spinach, and Italian herbs, then baked to perfection. Served with a rich garlic cream sauce, this dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting family meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garlic Cream Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, finely chopped fresh spinach, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped fresh parsley, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Form Meatballs: Using your hands or a spoon, shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and lightly golden on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Make Garlic Cream Sauce: While the meatballs bake, melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently until the sauce slightly thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the skillet with the garlic cream sauce, gently spooning the sauce over the meatballs to coat them well. Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Ensure the meatballs are cooked thoroughly to avoid any food safety issues with ground chicken.
- You can add chopped fresh basil or oregano to the meatball mix for extra flavor.
- Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: baked chicken meatballs, ricotta meatballs, Italian meatballs, garlic cream sauce, healthy meatballs
