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Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Orzo

Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Orzo

Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Orzo are juicy, tender meatballs served over creamy spinach orzo, perfect for a cozy night or dinner party.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • baking dish
  • braiser
  • cutting board
  • chef's knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • cheese grater

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb Ground chicken
  • 1 large Egg
  • cup Ricotta Cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 2 tablespoon Fresh Basil roughly chopped
  • ½ cup Panko
  • ½ cup Italian Cheese Blend shredded
  • Olive oil spray

For the Orzo

  • 2 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 4 cloves Garlic grated
  • 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes
  • cups Uncooked Orzo
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • ½ cup Italian Cheese Blend
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
  • 1 large Lemon juiced and zested
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients except olive oil spray. Mix gently until combined.
  • Roll into 1½-inch golf balls and place in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Spray with olive oil spray and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Broil for 3–4 minutes at the end if needed for golden brown tops.
  • While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add grated garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in uncooked orzo and broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 9–10 minutes.
  • Remove lid and add spinach and heavy cream. Cover and cook another 3 minutes until spinach wilts.
  • Stir in cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Pour orzo into a shallow serving bowl, top with meatballs, drizzle with olive oil, and add extra grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

This dish is perfect for a summer dinner and feels fancy yet is easy to prepare.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg
Keyword Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs, comfort food, Creamy Spinach Orzo, Dinner Party, easy recipe, juicy meatballs
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