Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are a delectable fusion of tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and fragrant seasonings. This recipe takes the classic meatball to new heights, offering a healthier alternative that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, these meatballs are sure to delight.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
For the Meatballs:
- 1.5 lbs ground chicken
- 6 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spinach Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Shape the mixture into meatballs about the size of a golf ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the meatballs with a bit of olive oil to help them brown.
Bake the Meatballs
Bake the meatballs for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.
Make the Spinach Alfredo Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3–4 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream, milk, and nutmeg. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Combine the Meatballs and Sauce
Once the meatballs are done, gently add them to the skillet with the spinach Alfredo sauce. Stir to coat the meatballs evenly with the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired. These meatballs pair beautifully with a side of pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy this comforting and nutritious dish!
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FAQs About Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
How long do chicken meatballs take to cook in the pan?
Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs typically take 20-25 minutes to cook in the oven at 400°F (200°C). They should be golden brown and cooked through when done.
How to know when chicken meatballs are cooked?
You can tell the Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are cooked through when they are golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. You can also check by cutting into one of the larger meatballs to ensure the center is no longer pink.
What are chicken meatballs made of?
These Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are made with a combination of ground chicken, ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, parsley, and garlic. The ricotta adds a lovely creaminess, while the breadcrumbs and Parmesan help bind the meatballs together.
How long to simmer chicken meatballs in sauce?
In this recipe, the baked chicken meatballs are added directly to the spinach Alfredo sauce and simmered for just 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together without overcooking the meatballs.
Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are a delicious and healthy option that the whole family will love. With their creamy texture, savory seasonings, and comforting spinach Alfredo sauce, these meatballs are sure to become a new favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try and savor the flavors of this satisfying dish!
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Create Mouthwatering Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs in 30 Minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are a delectable fusion of tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and fragrant seasonings. This recipe takes the classic meatball to new heights, offering a healthier alternative that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, these meatballs are sure to delight.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound ground chicken
- 6 ounce whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
2. Shape the mixture into meatballs about the size of a golf ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the meatballs with a bit of olive oil to help them brown.
3. Bake the meatballs for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.
4. While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Pour in the heavy cream, milk, and nutmeg. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Once the meatballs are done, gently add them to the skillet with the spinach Alfredo sauce. Stir to coat the meatballs evenly with the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Notes
Serve the Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired. These meatballs pair beautifully with a side of pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg