Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo

Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken meatballs with a rich, creamy sauce and fresh spinach. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal. The flavors of lemon and garlic shine through, making every bite refreshing and satisfying.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make this recipe because it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The combination of creamy ricotta and tangy lemon makes the chicken meatballs special, while the orzo adds a comforting touch. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more greens into your meal with the fresh spinach. This recipe is also perfect for meal prep or to impress your guests at a gathering.

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, minced garlic, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is just combined, then form the mixture 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 the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until it’s 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 has thickened slightly.
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

Serve this dish hot for the best flavor and texture. You can add a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a garnish, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and lemon zest on top for added freshness.

How to Store Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo

If you have leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature and then place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back the creaminess.

Tips to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo

Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture; it can make them tough.
Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to the orzo for a colorful dish.
For a little extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.

Variation

You can swap ground chicken for ground turkey or beef if you prefer. Moreover, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you want a gluten-free option. Adding different cheeses like feta or mozzarella can also change the flavor profile nicely.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet and transfer them to a freezer bag once they’re frozen. Cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. What can I use instead of orzo?
If you don’t have orzo, you can use any small pasta shape like ditalini, or even rice if you prefer.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat everything when you’re ready to serve.