Lemony Chicken Ricotta Meatballs (Printer-Friendly Layout)
Juicy chicken and ricotta meatballs with bright lemon zest, paired with creamy spinach orzo.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Meatball Mixture
01 -
1 lb ground chicken
02 -
½ cup ricotta cheese
03 -
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 -
½ cup breadcrumbs
05 -
1 large egg
06 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 tsp lemon zest
08 -
1 tsp dried oregano
09 -
½ tsp salt
10 -
½ tsp black pepper
→ Cooking & Sauce
11 -
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
12 -
1 cup orzo pasta
13 -
2 cups fresh chopped spinach
14 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
15 -
1 cup heavy cream
16 -
½ cup chicken broth
17 -
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
18 -
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
19 -
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then shape into 1-inch meatballs.
02 -
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
03 -
Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in orzo pasta and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
04 -
Deglaze skillet with chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, red pepper flakes if using, and chopped spinach. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until orzo is tender and spinach is wilted.
05 -
Stir grated Parmesan into sauce to melt. Return meatballs to skillet and warm through for 2 to 3 minutes to blend flavors.
06 -
Plate meatballs and orzo, garnish with additional Parmesan and lemon zest if desired, and serve immediately.
# Extra Tips and Tricks:
01 -
Meatballs can be prepared ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before cooking.
02 -
Use thawed and drained frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable.
03 -
Ground turkey can substitute chicken for a leaner option.
04 -
To reheat, add broth or cream and warm gently on the stove.
05 -
Cooked meatballs freeze well separately and can be combined with freshly cooked orzo.