Description

These Creamy Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs combine tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and a zesty lemon sauce, making them the perfect comforting yet light dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

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 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Sauce & Orzo

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup lemon juice
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper. Shape into 1-inch meatballs.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Cook meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

In the same skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil. Add orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Deglaze the pan with chicken broth and lemon juice. Add heavy cream, red pepper flakes, and spinach. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Bring it All Together

Stir in Parmesan cheese and return meatballs to the skillet. Warm through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Plate the creamy orzo and meatballs, garnish with Parmesan and lemon zest.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-fried and simmered
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Chicken Ricotta Meatballs, Creamy Lemon Sauce, Easy Meatballs Recipe, Comfort Food, Low-Carb Meatballs