Lemony Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Over Garlic Spinach Orzo
Introduction
Lemony Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Over Garlic Spinach Orzo is a delicious and bright dish that combines tender meatballs with the freshness of lemon and the creaminess of ricotta. Served over garlicky spinach orzo, this meal is not only tasty but also packed with nutrition. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when entertaining guests.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is an excellent choice for several reasons. First, it is simple to prepare, making it ideal for cooks of all skill levels. Second, it combines various flavors and textures, from the zesty lemon in the meatballs to the soft, garlicky spinach orzo. Finally, it is a wholesome dish that includes protein from the chicken and ricotta, carbohydrates from the orzo, and vitamins from the spinach.
How to Make Lemony Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Over Garlic Spinach Orzo
Making Lemony Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Over Garlic Spinach Orzo is easy and straightforward. Just follow these steps:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Orzo pasta
- Fresh spinach
- Garlic
- Olive oil
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- In a skillet, brown the meatballs in olive oil over medium heat until cooked through.
- Cook orzo according to package instructions.
- In another skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and spinach until wilted.
- Serve the meatballs over the garlicky spinach orzo.
How to Serve Lemony Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Over Garlic Spinach Orzo
Serve these hearty and flavorful meatballs over a bed of spinach orzo. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top for added flavor and presentation. Pair it with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Lemony Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Over Garlic Spinach Orzo
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until they are warmed through. If you want to freeze them, it’s best to keep the meatballs and orzo separate to maintain their texture.
Tips to Make Lemony Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Over Garlic Spinach Orzo
- Make sure to mix the meatball ingredients just until combined; overmixing can make them tough.
- If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished dish for an extra zesty burst of flavor.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by using ground turkey instead of chicken or adding different herbs like basil or oregano. Additionally, you can replace the spinach with kale or another leafy green for a different taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for the meatballs?
A: Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken. Just make sure to fully thaw it before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have orzo?
A: If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute it with any small pasta, such as couscous, rice, or even quinoa.
Q: How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
A: The meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) or when they are no longer pink in the center.
Enjoy making and serving Lemony Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Over Garlic Spinach Orzo for a delightful meal that the whole family will love!
