Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Parmesan Sauce
This comforting dish features juicy meatballs made from ground chicken combined with ricotta and Parmesan, all enveloped in a creamy spinach-infused sauce.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Ingredients
Meatball ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese creamy and slightly sweet
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese nutty and rich
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs providing a delightful crunch
- 1 large egg binding it all together
- 2 cloves garlic minced for that aromatic kick
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, adding freshness and a pop of color
- 1 tsp salt to enhance all the flavors
- 1/2 tsp black pepper for a touch of heat
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano infusing the meat with lovely earthy notes
- 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking
Sauce ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic minced, to sauté in the sauce
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped, packed with nutrients
- 1 cup heavy cream making the sauce luxuriously creamy
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping the sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional), for a hint of warmth
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix gently until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat mixture.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into balls, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
Cooking
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs to the pan. Sear them on all sides until golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes in total.
- Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then toss in the chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach has wilted down.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the Parmesan cheese, along with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir well and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Cover and let them simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra sauce and parsley if desired.
Notes
For a flavor boost, consider adding Italian seasoning to the meat mixture or sundried tomatoes. To make it a one-pan meal, add cooked pasta into the sauce before serving.