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Lemony Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Over Garlic Spinach Orzo

These delightful lemony chicken ricotta meatballs are tender and flavorful, served atop a bed of garlic spinach orzo for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup Ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp Lemon zest
  • 1 Egg large
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp Parsley chopped
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Orzo
  • 1 cup Orzo pasta
  • 3 cups Chicken broth
  • 5 oz Spinach
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Pot
  • Wooden spoon/spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Meatball Preparation
  1. Combine ground chicken, ricotta, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  2. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  3. Brown the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil until golden on all sides.
  4. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and cook until meatballs are cooked through.
Orzo Preparation
  1. Cook orzo according to package directions in chicken broth until al dente.
  2. Sauté minced garlic in olive oil, then add spinach and cook until wilted.
  3. Drain cooked orzo and combine with the garlic spinach, parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.
Assembly
  1. Serve the lemony chicken ricotta meatballs over the garlic spinach orzo.

Notes

For extra flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.