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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 is a cozy-night comfort food that's flavorful and easy to prepare.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg
Keyword Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs, Comfort Food, Cozy Night, Creamy Spinach Orzo, Dinner Party
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