Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo
Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo is a delightful dish that will take your taste buds on a joyful ride. This recipe combines ground chicken and ricotta cheese to create moist and flavorful meatballs. Paired with orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and a luscious lemon cream sauce, this meal brings a burst of flavor and comfort to the dinner table.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner with family and friends. It’s simple to make, yet impressive enough to serve on any occasion. The creamy lemon sauce adds brightness, while the spinach boosts nutrition. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze!
How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined, then form into 1-inch meatballs.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the orzo and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast it.
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, red pepper flakes if using, and chopped spinach. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the sauce is slightly thickened.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, then return the meatballs to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 more minutes until heated through.
Serve the creamy orzo and meatballs hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo
Enjoy this comforting dish on its own or pair it with a side salad and some crusty bread. You can also serve it with additional lemon wedges for an extra zesty flavor.
How to Store Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the meatballs and orzo separately for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo
- Use fresh herbs if available for better flavor.
- Adjust the lemon juice to your taste preference; you can add more or less depending on how tangy you want your dish.
- If you want an extra kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Variation
For a low-carb version, you can replace orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. This keeps the flavors similar while reducing the carbs.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or ground beef for the ground chicken.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just cook the orzo and make the sauce when you’re ready to serve.
3. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free ricotta and a dairy-free cream alternative to make it dairy-free. Just ensure to check the labels on the products you use.
Enjoy making this simple yet delicious Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo for your next meal!
