
09/06/2025
🍋 Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo 🍽️
A creamy, cheesy, and garlicky one-pan dish featuring tender chicken ricotta meatballs with spinach-infused garlic orzo in a bright lemony cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy meal! 🧄🍋🧀
📌 Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
✔️ 1 lb ground chicken
✔️ ½ cup ricotta cheese
✔️ ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
✔️ ½ cup breadcrumbs
✔️ 1 egg
✔️ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✔️ 1 tsp dried oregano
✔️ 1 tsp onion powder
✔️ ½ tsp salt & pepper
✔️ 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
✔️ 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
For the Garlic Orzo & Creamy Lemon Sauce:
✔️ 1 cup orzo pasta
✔️ 2 tbsp butter
✔️ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✔️ ½ cup heavy cream
✔️ 1 ½ cups chicken broth
✔️ Zest & juice of 1 lemon
✔️ ½ cup grated Parmesan
✔️ 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
✔️ Salt & pepper to taste
🔥 Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
🔹 In a bowl, mix ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley.
🔹 Roll into small meatballs (about 1.5 inches each).
🔹 Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear meatballs until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Garlic Orzo & Creamy Sauce
🔹 In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
🔹 Add orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes.
🔹 Pour in chicken broth and let simmer until orzo is tender (8-10 minutes).
🔹 Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan.
🔹 Add spinach and stir until wilted.
3️⃣ Combine & Serve
🔹 Return the meatballs to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for 3-5 minutes.
🔹 Sprinkle with extra Parmesan & fresh parsley.
🔹 Serve hot & enjoy this creamy, lemony, cheesy perfection! 🧀🍋✨
🍽️ Best Pairings:
✅ Garlic Bread – to soak up that creamy sauce
✅ Roasted Veggies – like zucchini or asparagus
✅ Chilled White Wine – such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Would you make this Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach & Garlic Orzo? 🍋