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Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Orzo

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A delightful dish featuring tender lemon chicken ricotta meatballs served over creamy garlic orzo, perfect for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for cooking
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan in a mixing bowl.
  3. Incorporate lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
  4. Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 ½ inches in size and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Drizzle meatballs with olive oil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Cook orzo according to package instructions, then drain.
  7. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and minced garlic to a pan over medium heat and sauté until fragrant.
  8. Toss cooked orzo into the pan, stirring in optional red pepper flakes.
  9. Add another splash of lemon juice and fresh parsley, then season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
  10. Serve meatballs atop the garlic orzo and garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Notes

Avoid overworking the meatball mixture for a tender texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yummyfirst.com/lemon-chicken-meatballs-with-garlic-orzo/