Lemony Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Over Garlic Spinach Orzo Delight!
A delicious dish that combines tender lemony chicken meatballs with creamy, garlicky orzo, perfect for busy days and customizable to suit different tastes.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken Lean protein source.
- ½ cup ricotta cheese For creaminess.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for better flavor.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs Helps bind the meatballs.
- 1 large egg Acts as a binder.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley Adds freshness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest Enhances the lemon flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste Adjust seasoning to preference.
For the Orzo
- 1 cup orzo pasta Cook until just tender.
- 2 cups chicken broth For cooking orzo.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped Adds nutrients and flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir gently until just incorporated to maintain tenderness.
- Form the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Cooking
- Bake the meatballs for 20–25 minutes until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Add the orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just tender.
- While the orzo is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until aromatic.
- Introduce the chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain any excess liquid from the orzo, then mix it into the spinach and garlic skillet.
- Stir until well combined and creamy.
Serving
- Serve the orzo on plates, topped with the baked meatballs.
- Garnish with lemon wedges to enhance the flavor.
Notes
To elevate the dish, consider serving with a light side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables.