Lemony Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Over Garlic Spinach Orzo

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Ricotta Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Spinach Garlic Orzo:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
3. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and arrange on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the meatballs are golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
5. While the meatballs cook, bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo and simmer for 8–10 minutes, until tender.
6. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
7. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Drain any excess liquid from the orzo, then stir it into the spinach and garlic mixture. Toss to combine.
9. Serve the meatballs over the warm garlic spinach orzo. Garnish with lemon wedges for a fresh finish.

Notes

1. Swap ground chicken for turkey – Ground turkey offers a similar lean profile but with a slightly richer flavor. It’s an easy substitute that still pairs wonderfully with lemon and ricotta.
2. Add sun-dried tomatoes to the orzo – Stir in a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach and garlic mix for a pop of tangy sweetness and Mediterranean flair.
3. Use whole wheat orzo – For added fiber and a nuttier flavor, try whole wheat orzo. It complements the lemony meatballs while making the dish even more wholesome.