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Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach

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These delicious baked chicken ricotta meatballs are stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese, offering a savory, healthy twist on the classic meatball! Perfect for a family meal, these meatballs are light, juicy, and packed with flavor. Serve with marinara sauce and pasta, or enjoy them with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Ingredients

Scale
    1. 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey for a lighter option)
    2. 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
    3. 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
    4. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    5. 1 large egg
    6. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
    7. 2 cloves garlic, minced
    8. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    9. Salt and pepper to taste
    10. 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)

For Serving:

    • Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
    • Cooked pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread (optional)
    • Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat Your Oven
    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.

  • Prepare the Meatball Mixture
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
    Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

  • Shape the Meatballs
    Scoop about 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture per meatball.
    Roll into a ball using your hands and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.

  • Bake the Meatballs
    Lightly brush the tops of the meatballs with olive oil (optional, for extra browning).
    Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

  • Serve and Enjoy
    Serve the baked meatballs warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, or toss them in the sauce for a saucy twist.
    Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
    Pair with cooked pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a lower-carb version, serve with zucchini noodles or just the meatballs with marinara sauce.
  • Feel free to use ground turkey for a leaner option, or even swap the ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter choice.
  • The meatballs can be frozen before baking for meal prep. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://grandmarecipesflash.com/baked-chicken-ricotta-meatballs-with-spinach/