Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo
Introduction
Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo is a delicious and comforting dish that brings flavor and nourishment to your dining table. The tender meatballs, made with a blend of chicken and ricotta cheese, are packed with flavor and paired beautifully with a creamy lemon sauce and tender orzo pasta. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or if you are entertaining guests.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo. First, it is an easy recipe that anyone can follow, even if you are not an experienced cook. Second, it combines healthy ingredients like chicken and spinach with the comforting flavors of cream and cheese. Lastly, it is a complete meal that satisfies both cravings for comfort food and a desire for a balanced diet.
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
Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, then roll into 1-inch meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.
Sauté the Garlic & Orzo: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute. Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes until slightly browned.
Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan. Add the heavy cream, optional red pepper flakes, and chopped spinach. Simmer for 5 minutes until the orzo is tender.
Combine Everything: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and return the cooked meatballs to the skillet. Let them warm through for 2–3 minutes.
Serve & Enjoy! Spoon onto plates, garnish with extra Parmesan and lemon zest, and serve hot.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo
Serve the meatballs over a bed of creamy orzo with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a hint of lemon zest on top. This dish pairs well with a refreshing salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Tips to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo
- Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- If you want a little extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Variation
You can easily swap out the ground chicken for ground turkey or pork if you prefer. You can also add different vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them.
Q2: Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
A: Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like mini shells or fusilli would work well in this recipe too.
Q3: Is it possible to make this recipe without cream?
A: Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter version.
