Chicken Florentine Meatballs: Creamy, Comforting Italian-Inspired Perfection
If you love creamy, comforting meals that feel restaurant-worthy but are surprisingly simple to prepare, these Chicken Florentine Meatballs are about to become your new favorite dinner. Tender, juicy chicken meatballs are baked until golden and then simmered in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce packed with vibrant spinach. The result? A rich, satisfying dish inspired by classic Italian flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
The term “Florentine” traditionally refers to dishes prepared in the style of Florence, Italy—often featuring spinach as a star ingredient. While this recipe is a modern American adaptation, it honors that beautiful pairing of creamy sauce and leafy greens. If you enjoy creamy spinach chicken, chicken Alfredo, or comforting baked meatballs, this recipe brings all those elements together in one irresistible skillet.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make the best creamy spinach chicken meatballs, discover helpful cooking tips, explore variations, and find serving ideas to turn this into a full, memorable meal.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Florentine Meatballs
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this recipe:
- Made with lean ground chicken for a lighter twist
- Baked instead of fried for less mess and healthier results
- Packed with fresh spinach for flavor and color
- Rich and creamy sauce without being overly heavy
- Perfect for meal prep or entertaining
- Ready in under an hour
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, these chicken meatballs in cream sauce deliver bold flavor with minimal stress.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing or drizzling)
For the Creamy Florentine Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, finely chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs (about 1½ inches in diameter). Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Lightly brush or drizzle the tops with olive oil. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the tops are lightly golden.
Step 5: Start the Sauce
While the meatballs bake, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 6: Create the Cream Base
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3–5 minutes to slightly thicken.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Spinach
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 8: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Transfer the baked meatballs directly into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Florentine Meatballs
1. Don’t Overmix
Overworking ground chicken can make the meatballs dense. Mix just until combined.
2. Use Fresh Spinach
Fresh spinach adds better texture and color than frozen. If using frozen, squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly.
3. Let the Sauce Simmer Gently
Avoid boiling the cream sauce vigorously. A gentle simmer ensures smooth, creamy results.
4. Check Internal Temperature
For food safety, ensure the chicken meatballs reach 165°F internally.
Variations to Try
Low-Carb Version
Skip breadcrumbs and substitute with almond flour or grated zucchini (squeezed dry).
Dairy-Free Option
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free twist.
Add Mushrooms
Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before adding garlic for extra depth of flavor.
Make It Spicy
Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for a bolder kick.
What Does “Florentine” Mean?
In culinary terms, “Florentine” refers to dishes featuring spinach, a style popularized in Florence, Italy. Though this version is modern and American-inspired, it carries the same creamy spinach-forward character found in traditional Florentine dishes.
Serving Suggestions
These creamy spinach chicken meatballs are incredibly versatile:
- Serve over fettuccine or linguine
- Spoon onto creamy mashed potatoes
- Pair with fluffy white rice
- Serve with crusty garlic bread
- Add to a toasted sub roll for a creamy meatball sandwich
For a lighter option, try serving over zucchini noodles or alongside a fresh green salad.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze meatballs separately from the sauce for best texture. Store for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Meal Prep
These healthy baked chicken meatballs reheat beautifully, making them ideal for weekly meal planning. Prepare a double batch and portion into containers with rice or pasta for easy lunches.
Nutritional Highlights
Using ground chicken makes this dish lighter than traditional beef meatballs. Spinach adds iron and vitamins, while baking instead of frying reduces excess oil. Though the cream sauce is indulgent, you can easily adjust the richness by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works beautifully and offers similar texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake the meatballs and refrigerate. Prepare the sauce fresh before serving for best results.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to easily adapt the recipe.
These Chicken Florentine Meatballs deliver everything you want in a comfort meal: creamy texture, savory depth, and vibrant spinach flavor. They’re elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. Once you try them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
