Lemony Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Over Garlic Spinach Orzo

By: Rabia

Recipe Card

Hook – Quick Description:
Tender, juicy chicken and ricotta meatballs with a hint of lemon, served over creamy garlic spinach orzo — a cozy, elevated dinner in under 45 minutes.

Servings & Timing:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

  • Total Time: ~40–45 minutes

  • Yield: 4 servings

Dietary Badges:

  • 🍗 High-Protein

  • 🌾 Mediterranean-Inspired

  • 🥬 Family-Friendly

Ingredients (Checklist Style, No Measurements):

  • Ground chicken

  • Ricotta cheese

  • Parmesan cheese, grated

  • Egg

  • Breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)

  • Lemon zest & juice

  • Fresh parsley

  • Garlic, minced

  • Salt & black pepper

  • Olive oil

For the Orzo:

  • Orzo pasta

  • Garlic, minced

  • Fresh spinach, chopped

  • Olive oil or butter

  • Chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

  • Parmesan cheese (optional for creaminess)

Instructions (Concise & Numbered):

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.

  2. In a bowl, mix ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.

  3. Form into small meatballs and place on the baking sheet.

  4. Bake 18–20 minutes until golden and cooked through.

  5. While meatballs cook, boil orzo in broth until tender; reserve some liquid.

  6. In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil or butter. Stir in spinach until wilted.

  7. Add cooked orzo and a splash of reserved cooking liquid. Stir until creamy. Add Parmesan if desired.

  8. Serve meatballs over garlic spinach orzo, finish with lemon juice and extra parsley.

Additional Notes:

  • For juiciest meatballs, don’t overmix the chicken mixture.

  • Add extra broth if orzo thickens too much as it cools.

  • This dish is hearty enough on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad.

Brief Introduction

These Lemony Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Spinach Orzo are the definition of comfort-meets-fresh. The ricotta makes the chicken meatballs light and tender, while lemon zest brightens every bite. Paired with creamy garlicky orzo and fresh spinach, it’s a Mediterranean-inspired dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without the fuss.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Making the Meatballs

  • Combine chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper.

  • Gently mix until just combined — overmixing makes meatballs dense.

  • Roll into golf ball–sized meatballs.

Tip: Use damp hands or a small cookie scoop for easy shaping.

Baking the Meatballs

  • Bake at 400°F until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temp).

  • For extra flavor, brush lightly with olive oil before baking.

Cooking the Garlic Spinach Orzo

  1. Cook orzo in broth for extra flavor (instead of water).

  2. Reserve a little cooking liquid before draining.

  3. In skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil or butter until fragrant.

  4. Stir in spinach; cook until just wilted.

  5. Toss in orzo + a splash of cooking liquid. Stir until creamy. Add Parmesan if desired.

Serving

  • Plate garlic spinach orzo, top with meatballs, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and garnish with parsley.

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Ground Chicken: Use 93% lean for juiciness; ground turkey also works.

  • Ricotta: Adds creaminess and moisture. Cottage cheese (blended smooth) can substitute.

  • Breadcrumbs: Panko for lighter texture, almond flour for low-carb option.

  • Orzo: Substitute with small pasta like ditalini or couscous.

  • Spinach: Kale, arugula, or Swiss chard are good swaps.

  • Broth: Chicken broth adds depth, but vegetable broth keeps it lighter.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Add Heat: Mix red pepper flakes into the orzo or meatball mixture.

  • Cheesy Upgrade: Stir cream cheese or mascarpone into the orzo for richness.

  • Herb Lovers: Add basil, oregano, or dill for more Mediterranean flair.

  • Serving Ideas: Serve with roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a light cucumber salad.

  • Wine Pairing: Pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

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Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Storage: Refrigerate up to 3–4 days in airtight container.

  • Freezing Meatballs: Freeze baked meatballs separately up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

  • Reheating: Warm meatballs in sauce or broth to keep moist; reheat orzo with a splash of broth.

  • Make-Ahead: Meatball mixture can be shaped and chilled up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated, per 1 of 4 servings)

  • Calories: ~420 kcal

  • Protein: 35g

  • Carbs: 36g

  • Fat: 16g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Mediterranean-Inspired | High-Protein | Balanced One-Pot Meal

FAQs

Q: Can I pan-fry the meatballs instead of baking?
A: Yes! Brown them in olive oil on medium heat, then finish in sauce or covered skillet.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for meatballs and swap orzo for GF pasta or rice.

Q: Can I add sauce?
A: A light lemon cream sauce or drizzle of olive oil works well. Avoid heavy red sauces, which overpower the flavors.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes — just bake meatballs on two trays. Orzo can be scaled up easily.

Personal Story (Optional)

This recipe came about on a weeknight when I wanted something hearty but fresh. Adding ricotta to chicken meatballs was a game-changer — they came out incredibly tender. Paired with lemon and spinach, it’s become one of my favorite “impress without stress” dinners.

Rabia
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