Lemon Garlic Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo Recipe
Lemon Garlic Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Orzo is a vibrant dish that combines tender chicken meatballs infused with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, served over a bed of rich and creamy orzo pasta. This delightful recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a comforting yet impressive meal option for family gatherings or dinner parties. With its balanced flavors and easy preparation, this dish will quickly become a favorite at your table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 7-9 minutes until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute.
- Add orzo to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes while stirring.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; season to taste and let thicken for about 2 minutes.
- Combine cooked meatballs with the creamy orzo; simmer together for an additional 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg