Lemony Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Over Garlic Spinach Orzo

 

🍋 Lemony Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Over Garlic Spinach Orzo

🍽 Servings:

4 servings (makes about 12 meatballs)

---

📝 Ingredients:

For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2–3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan-searing or baking)

For the Garlic Spinach Orzo:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the Meatballs:

• In a bowl, mix together ground chicken, ricotta, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Form into meatballs (~1.5 inches).
• Cook options:
  • Pan-fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook meatballs over medium heat until golden and cooked through (about 4–5 min per side).
  • Bake: Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes.

2. Cook the Orzo:

• In a skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil/butter.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 min until fragrant.
• Add orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
• Pour in broth or water, bring to a simmer.
• Stir occasionally until orzo is cooked (10–12 mins), adding more liquid if needed.
• Stir in spinach in the last 2–3 mins of cooking until wilted.
• Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and Parmesan if using.

3. Assemble:

• Place meatballs over a bed of garlic spinach orzo.
• Spoon some orzo liquid on top for extra sauciness.
• Garnish with lemon zest, herbs, or more Parmesan if desired.

---

💡 Tips:

• For juicier meatballs, don’t overmix the meat.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the orzo for heat.
• Ricotta can be swapped for cottage cheese (blended smooth).
• Want it creamier? Stir in a splash of cream or more cheese to the orzo.

---

🍽 Nutritional Info (Per serving):

(approximate)

• Calories: 480–550
• Protein: 30–35g
• Fat: 20–25g
• Carbs: 35–40g
• Fiber: 3–4g

---

🌟 Health Benefits:

• High protein from chicken and ricotta.
• Rich in vitamin C from lemon and spinach.
• Balanced meal with carbs, protein, and greens.
• Light yet filling — perfect for dinner or meal prep.

---

❓Q&A:

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cook both components and store separately. Reheat gently with a splash of broth for the orzo.

Q: Can I freeze the meatballs?
A: Absolutely. Freeze cooked or raw meatballs for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I substitute orzo?
A: Yes — small pasta like couscous or rice works well.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Use GF breadcrumbs and swap orzo for rice or GF pasta.

---

Let me know if you want this recipe turned into a PDF, meal prep guide, or weekly dinner planner! 🍽✨