Creamy Garlic Chicken Meatballs with Spinach

Some dishes just feel like a warm hug in a bowl rich, creamy, and full of flavor, yet fresh enough that you don’t feel weighed down afterward. That’s exactly what you get with these Creamy Garlic Chicken Meatballs with Spinach.

Juicy, tender chicken meatballs are infused with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh parsley, then simmered in a silky cream sauce with vibrant spinach. The result? A cozy, restaurant-quality dinner that’s just as perfect for a weeknight as it is for a weekend get-together.

This dish is hearty yet balanced the creaminess of the sauce is lightened by fresh greens, and the Parmesan brings that irresistible savory depth. Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy & Tender Meatballs – Ground chicken stays moist thanks to breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan.
• Rich, Creamy Sauce – Velvety and full of garlic flavor, without feeling heavy.
• Fresh & Colorful – Spinach adds freshness, color, and extra nutrition.
• One-Pan Convenience – Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one skillet.
• Versatile Serving Options – Great with pasta, grains, bread, or veggie sides.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 6

For the Meatballs:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Divided between meatball mixture and sauce.
• ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley – Adds freshness and brightness.
• 2 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup) – Savory umami richness.
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs – Keeps meatballs light and tender.
• ½ cup half-and-half – Moistens breadcrumbs for a softer texture.
• 1 large egg – Binds the mixture together.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Seasons the meatballs (from the total salt amount).
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – Subtle sweetness and depth.
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – A gentle bite.
• 1½ pounds ground chicken – Lean protein base.

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – For a rich base.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A balanced herb blend.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes – Gentle heat (optional).
• 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth – Creates body and savory depth.
• ½ cup half-and-half – For creamy texture.
• Remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt – To season the sauce.
• 4 ounces baby spinach (about 4 packed cups) – Fresh, tender greens.
• Extra Parmesan cheese – For garnish.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Microplane or fine grater
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Whisk
• Tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Meatball Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and ½ cup half-and-half. Let sit for 2–3 minutes so breadcrumbs absorb the liquid.
2. Add minced garlic (half of the total amount), parsley, Parmesan, egg, onion powder, salt, pepper, and ground chicken.
3. Gently mix with clean hands or a spatula until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.

2. Shape & Cook the Meatballs

4. Form into 1½-inch balls (about 20–22 meatballs).
5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with 1–2 tablespoons of oil.
6. Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (165°F internal temp), about 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

3. Start the Sauce

7. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
8. Add remaining minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
9. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw taste.

4. Build the Cream Sauce

10. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
11. Stir in remaining ½ cup half-and-half and season with the remaining salt.
12. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly (3–4 minutes).

5. Add Spinach & Meatballs

13. Stir in baby spinach until just wilted.
14. Return meatballs to the skillet, spooning sauce over them.
15. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

6. Garnish & Serve

16. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.
17. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

• Make it Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream and omit Parmesan or swap with nutritional yeast.
• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms before making the sauce for extra flavor.
• Go Low-Carb: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash instead of pasta.
• Boost the Greens: Add kale or Swiss chard alongside spinach.
• Spice it Up: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

These chicken meatballs are savory, garlicky, and herbaceous, with a creamy sauce that’s balanced by the fresh bite of spinach. The Parmesan adds a salty richness, while the red pepper flakes bring subtle warmth.

Pair it with:

• Drinks: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, sparkling water with lemon.
• Sides: Garlic bread, roasted asparagus, Caesar salad.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 365
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g

Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep Meatballs in Advance: Shape raw meatballs up to 24 hours ahead and store covered in the fridge.
• Freeze for Later: Freeze cooked meatballs without sauce for up to 2 months.
• Sauce Ahead: Sauce can be made 2 days in advance; add spinach fresh when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes — it works just as well, though turkey may have a slightly different flavor.

2. Will frozen spinach work?
Yes — thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.

3. Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely — bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, then simmer in sauce.

4. How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure your mixture isn’t too wet; if it is, add extra breadcrumbs.

5. Can I make it without flour?
Yes — thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry instead for a gluten-free version.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Task	Time
1	Make meatball mixture	10 min
2	Shape & cook meatballs	10 min
3	Make sauce	6 min
4	Add spinach & finish	4 min
Total	—	30 min

Serving Suggestions

• Over Pasta: Toss with fettuccine or spaghetti for a comforting meal.
• With Rice: White, brown, or wild rice to soak up the sauce.
• With Bread: Warm baguette or garlic bread for dipping.
• Low-Carb Option: Over sautéed zucchini noodles.

Recipe Variations

1. Lemon Herb Version: Add lemon zest and juice for a bright, citrusy note.
2. Tomato Cream: Stir in a few tablespoons of tomato paste before the broth.
3. Cheesy Bake: Top with mozzarella and broil until bubbly.

Ingredient Spotlight – Ground Chicken

Ground chicken is lean yet flavorful, making it perfect for lighter meatballs. Look for blends with a bit of dark meat for juiciness. If using very lean chicken breast meat, be careful not to overcook, as it can dry out.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Don’t Overmix Meat: It can make meatballs tough.
• Deglaze the Pan: Scraping up browned bits adds depth to the sauce.
• Add Spinach Last: This keeps it vibrant and fresh.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze meatballs (with or without sauce) for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber
365	28g	12g	22g	2g

Dietary Notes: High-protein, can be gluten-free with substitutions.

Conclusion

These Creamy Garlic Chicken Meatballs with Spinach are the perfect mix of comfort and freshness proof that creamy doesn’t have to mean heavy. With a silky, garlicky sauce, tender meatballs, and vibrant greens, this dish is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

It’s flexible enough for weeknight cooking but impressive enough for entertaining. Once you see how easy it is to make these flavorful chicken meatballs in one pan, you may never go back to plain pasta or store-bought meatballs again.

Serve it your way, make it your own, and enjoy a dish that’s guaranteed to bring everyone to the table with a smile.

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