Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Orzo
A delightful and refreshing dish that combines tangy lemon and creamy ricotta cheese, served with flavorful garlic orzo. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken Lean protein option
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese Use light ricotta for a healthier meal
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Fresh lemon juice recommended
- 1 clove garlic, minced Adds flavor to the mixture
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley For freshness
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs Acts as a binder for the meatballs
- 1 large egg Helps bind the meatball mixture
- to taste Salt and pepper Season to preference
For the orzo
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta Can substitute with other small pasta shapes
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil For sautéing garlic
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For flavoring the orzo
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan optional, enhances flavor, can be omitted
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix together the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Combine until well mixed.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
Cooking
- In a pan, add a bit of oil and heat over medium.
- Cook the meatballs in the pan until browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the orzo according to the package directions.
- In a separate pan, sauté the minced garlic in butter or olive oil for about 1 minute.
- Add the cooked orzo to the garlic and stir to combine. If desired, add grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
Serving
- Place the garlic orzo on a plate and top with the lemon chicken ricotta meatballs. Garnish with more fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for an extra zing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of water to keep them from drying out. Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Make sure to not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender. You can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the meatball mixture for more nutrition.