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Comforting Chicken Ricotta Spinach

Category: Where Culinary Traditions Collide

Dive into tender chicken meatballs blended with creamy ricotta and Parmesan, baked just right to get that golden finish. These bites sit in a luscious spinach Alfredo sauce made from fresh sautéed spinach, garlic, and a creamy Parmesan base. Great with pasta, zoodles, or crusty bread. The combo of textures and flavors gives you a warm, homey dish you’ll want to make again. You'll love how creamy and savory it feels, capturing the classic Italian flavors that fit any weeknight or get-together.

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Monica
By Monica Monica
Updated on Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:04:55 GMT
A bowl of food with meatballs and greens. Pin
A bowl of food with meatballs and greens. | flavorsfuse.com

These cozy chicken meatballs with ricotta are baked and bathed in a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. The ricotta keeps the meatballs soft and tender while the Parmesan adds a tasty crust. The whole dish feels fancy but is actually pretty easy to whip up.

I first cooked this when my sister came home from college and it was such a crowd-pleaser that we now call them our special occasion meatballs. Even folks who are picky like the smooth sauce thanks to the spinach mixed in.

Stuff

How to Make It

A bowl of meatballs covered in cheese and spinach. Pin
A bowl of meatballs covered in cheese and spinach. | flavorsfuse.com

What I love most is seeing the ricotta melt into the chicken making a super soft inside. We always joke about how we couldn’t decide if it’s better with bread or pasta because the sauce is just that good.

Keeping It Fresh

Swap Ideas

Ways to Serve

A bowl of food with meatballs and greens. Pin
A bowl of food with meatballs and greens. | flavorsfuse.com

Cultural Backdrop

FAQs About the Recipe

→ What keeps meatballs juicy?

Adding ricotta cheese and mixing the meat gently helps keep chicken meatballs soft and moist when you bake them.

→ Can I swap fresh spinach for frozen?

Sure, just thaw and squeeze out any extra water before cooking it with the Alfredo sauce.

→ Which pasta goes best with this?

Penne, fettuccine, or linguine all taste great. If you want something lighter, try zucchini noodles.

→ Is it easy to make gluten-free?

Yes, just swap out regular breadcrumbs with a gluten-free kind.

→ How do I store the leftovers?

Put leftovers in a sealed container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Warm them gently before eating.

→ Can I prep the meatballs beforehand?

Absolutely. Shape them and chill up to a day ahead, or freeze before baking to save for later.

Chicken Ricotta Spinach

Baked chicken meatballs with ricotta and a rich spinach Alfredo sauce make a filling and tasty dinner.

Prep Time
20 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Total Time
50 min
By Monica: Monica

Category: Fusion Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Style: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (12 to 16 meatballs with sauce)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

01 1 large egg
02 1 pound ground chicken
03 1 clove garlic, minced
04 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
05 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
06 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs
07 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
08 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
09 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Spinach Alfredo Sauce

10 Pinch of ground nutmeg
11 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, plus more if needed
12 1 cup heavy cream
13 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
14 2 cloves garlic, minced
15 2 cups fresh spinach
16 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a big bowl, add ground chicken, Parmesan, garlic, ricotta, breadcrumbs, Italian herbs, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix just enough so it’s all together.

Step 03

Wet your hands a bit and roll the mix into 12 to 16 balls. Place ’em on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes till they’re golden and 165°F (74°C) inside.


A bowl of food with meatballs and greens.
Step 04

While meatballs cook, melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the spinach and cook until soft. Move spinach to a plate and keep it aside.

Step 05

In the same pan, melt a little more butter if needed. Add garlic and cook for about a minute until you smell it. Pour in cream and heat gently. Stir in Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring till sauce thickens a bit, around 3-5 minutes.

Step 06

Add the spinach back into the sauce and stir everything well.

Step 07

Put the cooked meatballs into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon some sauce on top and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.


A bowl of meatballs covered in cheese and spinach.
Step 08

Dish up while hot with your favorite pasta, zoodles, or some crusty bread on the side.

Additional Notes

  1. Don’t overwork the meatball mix to keep them soft and juicy.
  2. Turn the baking sheet halfway through so the meatballs brown evenly.

Essential Tools

  • Mixing bowl
  • Parchment paper
  • Large skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient for possible allergens and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Includes milk and dairy
  • Eggs are inside
  • Has gluten unless you pick gluten-free crumbs

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

This info is for reference purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 460
  • Fats: 31 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Proteins: 33 g