🍋 Lemony Chicken–Ricotta Meatballs Over Garlic Spinach Orzo

Soft ricotta chicken meatballs, lemony and delicate, served over silky garlic–olive oil orzo with wilted spinach.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken–Ricotta Meatballs

• 500 g ground chicken

• ½ cup ricotta cheese

• 1 egg

• ½ cup breadcrumbs or ½ cup oat flour (Mediterranean-friendly option)

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt & pepper

• 2–3 tbsp olive oil (for pan-searing)

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For the Garlic Spinach Orzo

• 1 ½ cups orzo

• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 3 cups fresh spinach

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional but lovely)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt & pepper

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For Serving (Optional but Mediterranean Delicious)

• Fresh dill or parsley

• Extra lemon wedges

• A drizzle of olive oil

• A sprinkle of feta

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🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Chicken–Ricotta Meatballs

1. In a large bowl combine:

   • ground chicken

   • ricotta

   • egg

   • breadcrumbs/oat flour

   • lemon zest & juice

   • garlic

   • parsley, oregano, basil

   • paprika, salt, pepper

2. Mix gently — don’t overwork (keeps meatballs tender).

3. Form into 16–20 small meatballs.

4. Heat olive oil in a skillet.

5. Pan-sear meatballs until golden on all sides (about 6–7 minutes).

6. Lower heat and continue cooking 3–5 minutes, or finish in a 190°C (375°F) oven for 10 minutes.

They should be juicy, soft, and lightly lemony.

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2. Make the Garlic Spinach Orzo

1. In a pot, heat olive oil.

2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (don’t brown).

3. Add orzo and toast 1 minute.

4. Pour in broth, bring to a boil.

5. Lower heat and simmer 8–10 minutes until orzo is al dente.

6. Stir in spinach until wilted.

7. Add lemon juice, salt, pepper, and Parmesan if using.

8. If too thick, add 1–2 tbsp broth to loosen.

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3. Assemble the Dish

1. Spoon garlicky spinach orzo into bowls.

2. Top with lemon–ricotta meatballs.

3. Zest a little fresh lemon over the top.

4. Finish with parsley/dill + optional feta.

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🌿 Mediterranean Tips & Variations

• Add sun-dried tomatoes to the orzo.

• Replace chicken with ground turkey or ground lamb.

• Add mint + dill to the meatballs for Greek flavor.

• Use Greek yogurt + lemon to drizzle over the meatballs.

• Make it creamy by stirring 2 tablespoons ricotta into the orzo.