If comfort food and elegance could meet in a single dish, it would be these Creamy Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach and Lemon Couscous. This recipe combines the tender juiciness of ricotta-studded chicken meatballs with a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, fresh spinach for balance, and a light, citrusy couscous that ties everything together. The result is a meal that feels indulgent but still refreshingly balanced — perfect for both weeknight family dinners and special occasions.

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Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Difficulty: Intermediate

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 500 g (1 lb) ground chicken

• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Creamy Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream (or cooking cream)

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 2 cups fresh spinach (lightly packed)

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Pinch of chili flakes (optional)

For the Lemon Couscous

• 1 cup couscous

• 1 cup chicken broth (or water plus bouillon)

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix gently with clean hands or a spoon until the ingredients are just combined — overmixing can make meatballs tough.

Roll the mixture into small balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs on all sides until golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the sauce. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Using the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary and sauté onion and garlic until softened and fragrant. Deglaze with a splash of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.

Pour in the remaining chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, and chili flakes if using. Cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let them simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Add fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking and stir until wilted.

Step 3: Cook the Couscous

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Add lemon juice, zest, olive oil or butter, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well so that every grain is coated with citrusy flavor.

Step 4: Serve

Spoon the fluffy lemon couscous onto serving plates or bowls. Top with creamy chicken ricotta meatballs and spoon the spinach-Parmesan sauce generously over the top. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a restaurant-worthy finish.

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Tips and Variations

• Boost the flavor: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding broth for extra depth.

• Grain swaps: Replace couscous with quinoa, rice, bulgur, or orzo for a different texture.

• Extra richness: Add a knob of butter to the sauce right before serving for a glossy, velvety finish.

• Vegetable additions: Mushrooms or zucchini can be sautéed with the onion for a heartier sauce.

• Cheese alternatives: Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a slightly lighter version.

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Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 610 kcal

• Protein: 39 g

• Fat: 32 g

• Carbohydrates: 42 g

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugars: 3 g

This dish is nutrient-balanced, with protein from chicken, healthy fats from olive oil and ricotta, and carbs from couscous. The spinach adds freshness and extra vitamins to keep it from feeling too heavy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender meatballs: Ricotta ensures they stay moist and light, even when cooked in sauce.

• A complete meal: Between the meat, grains, greens, and creamy sauce, nothing is missing.

• Family-friendly: Comforting flavors appeal to both adults and kids.

• Elegant but easy: Feels like something from a bistro menu, but it’s easy enough for a weekday dinner.