Description
Enjoy a delicious and healthy meal with these lemon herb chicken meatballs served with orzo pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, egg, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well and shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
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Cook the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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Cook the Pasta: In a pot, cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Add spinach and sauté until wilted. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir well. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
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Combine and Serve: Return the meatballs to the skillet and combine with the sauce. Add the cooked orzo and stir until everything is well coated. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the meatball mixture.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor more than pre-grated varieties.
- Ensure the skillet is not overcrowded when cooking meatballs for even browning.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less tanginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg