Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

Category: Inspiring Dinner Ideas

These tender chicken meatballs combine ground chicken with ricotta cheese for extra moisture, baked until golden and served in a creamy spinach Alfredo sauce. Ready in 50 minutes for a perfect family dinner.

Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:34:38 GMT
A bowl of rice topped with meatballs in a creamy spinach sauce, garnished with crispy bacon. Save
A bowl of rice topped with meatballs in a creamy spinach sauce, garnished with crispy bacon. | kitchenscroll.com

One evening while craving something different from traditional meatballs I created these incredibly tender Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs. The magic lies in how the ricotta cheese keeps every bite amazingly moist while my spinach Alfredo sauce brings everything together beautifully. Every time I serve these at family dinners everyone asks for seconds and the recipe. They're lighter than regular meatballs but trust me you won't miss a thing.

What Makes These Extra Special

When I switched to using ground chicken in my kitchen these meatballs became an instant family favorite. The ricotta cheese works its magic keeping everything perfectly tender while sneaking in some spinach adds extra goodness. I love making a big batch on Sunday they reheat beautifully for busy weeknight dinners. That creamy Alfredo sauce transforms them into something truly restaurant worthy.

Your Shopping List

  • Ground Chicken or Turkey: I prefer chicken but turkey works wonderfully too.
  • Ricotta Cheese: My secret weapon for keeping these incredibly moist.
  • Seasoned Breadcrumbs: They hold everything together perfectly.
  • Milk: Just enough to create that perfect texture.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds such lovely fresh flavor.
  • Sun Dried Tomatoes: These little flavor bombs make everything better.
  • Alfredo Sauce: Creates the dreamiest sauce ever.
  • Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce.

Let's Get Cooking

Getting Started
Warm up your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheet. Start those breadcrumbs soaking in milk.
Mix With Love
Gently combine your chicken ricotta herbs and seasoned breadcrumbs. Light hands make tender meatballs.
Shape and Bake
Roll into perfect little balls and pop them in the oven until they turn golden brown about 25 minutes.
Create Your Sauce
Warm that Alfredo sauce in a big skillet then watch your spinach melt into it.
Bring It Together
Nestle those golden meatballs into your creamy sauce and let them soak up all that goodness.
A bowl of rice topped with meatballs in a creamy sauce, garnished with crispy bacon and spinach. Save
A bowl of rice topped with meatballs in a creamy sauce, garnished with crispy bacon and spinach. | kitchenscroll.com

Keep Some For Later

These meatballs stay delicious in your fridge for three days. When I make extra I freeze them on a tray then pop them in a freezer bag. Just warm them up gently when you're ready either in your oven or microwave.

Make Them Your Own

Sometimes I switch things up with ground beef when we want something richer. Cottage cheese works beautifully if you're out of ricotta. For my gluten free friends I use their favorite breadcrumbs or oats. The sauce is flexible too try my homemade pesto or marinara for a change.

My Kitchen Secrets

The key to perfect meatballs is mixing everything just enough but not too much. Make sure those breadcrumbs get nice and soft in the milk. Give your meatballs plenty of space on the baking sheet and let them rest in that gorgeous sauce before serving.

Serving Ideas

We love these over fluffy jasmine rice or tossed with pasta. A fresh green salad on the side makes it complete. Don't forget some crusty bread to soak up every drop of that amazing sauce.

Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to use the same amount and follow the cooking instructions as written.

→ Why do you soak the breadcrumbs in milk?

Soaking breadcrumbs in milk creates a panade, which keeps the meatballs tender and moist. This step is crucial for preventing dry, tough meatballs.

→ Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

You can form and bake the meatballs ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the sauce when ready to serve.

→ How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The meatballs should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Cut one open to make sure there's no pink in the middle.

→ Can I freeze these meatballs?

These meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months. Freeze them after baking but before adding to the sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

Juicy chicken meatballs mixed with creamy ricotta, baked until golden and served in a rich spinach Alfredo sauce.

Preparation Time
30 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Total Time Required
50 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Dinner Delights

Skill Level Required: Moderate Skills Needed

Cuisine Style: American

Recipe Output: 4 Number of Servings (24 meatballs)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Gather

Contains 01 items 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs.
Contains 02 items 1/2 cup fresh milk.
Contains 03 items 1 onion, finely diced.
Contains 04 items 3 garlic cloves, minced.
Contains 05 items 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped.
Contains 06 items 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped.
Contains 07 items 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken.
Contains 08 items 3/4 cup fresh ricotta cheese.
Contains 09 items 1 large egg.
Contains 10 items 1/3 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated.
Contains 11 items 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
Contains 12 items 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Contains 13 items 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground.
Contains 14 items 1 jar Alfredo sauce.
Contains 15 items 6 ounces fresh spinach.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Heat your oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and spray with cooking spray.

Step 02

Mix breadcrumbs with milk in a bowl. Let them sit for 2 minutes to soften.

Step 03

Put ground chicken, onion, garlic, herbs, tomatoes, cheeses, egg, and seasonings in a bowl with the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix just until combined.

Step 04

Roll the meat mixture into balls and put them on your baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 05

Heat Alfredo sauce in a big pan. Add spinach and cook until it wilts into the sauce.

Step 06

Put the baked meatballs in the sauce. Cook a few more minutes until everything's hot and the sauce thickens a bit.

Important Tips

  1. Ground turkey works well as a substitute.
  2. Soaking breadcrumbs keeps meatballs moist.
  3. Can be made ahead and reheated.
  4. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Essential Tools

  • Baking sheet.
  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Large skillet.

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Dairy (ricotta, parmesan, Alfredo sauce).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (breadcrumbs).

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 420
  • Fat Amount: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Protein Amount: 35 g