Description
Lemony Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Over Garlic Spinach Orzo is a cozy 35-minute dinner featuring tender chicken meatballs with creamy ricotta and lemon zest, all simmered in a velvety garlic cream sauce with spinach and orzo. It’s rich, bright, and irresistibly comforting.
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
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined and roll into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic for 1 minute, then stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
4. Deglaze with chicken broth and lemon juice. Add cream, red pepper flakes, and spinach. Simmer for 5 minutes until orzo is tender.
5. Stir in Parmesan and return meatballs to skillet. Warm through for 2–3 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and lemon zest.
Notes
– Meatballs can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
– Use frozen spinach (thawed and drained) if fresh isn’t available.
– Substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred.
– To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream and warm on the stove.
– Freeze cooked meatballs separately and add to fresh orzo when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 410
- Fat: 34
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
- Cholesterol: 115