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Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Orzo Bliss

Enjoy baked chicken ricotta meatballs paired with creamy spinach orzo in this comforting, customizable dish that adds flair to weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Chicken Substitute with ground turkey if desired.
  • ½ cup Ricotta Cheese Ensure it’s well-drained.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Grate instead of mincing.
  • ½ cup Italian Cheese Blend Can use Parmesan, Mozzarella, or feta.
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust for heat preference.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For the Orzo
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Consider whole wheat for more fiber.
  • 2 cups Broth Chicken or Vegetable, keep warm.
  • ½ cup Cream Add off heat.
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Can substitute kale.

Equipment

  • oven
  • baking sheet
  • mixing bowl
  • pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta cheese, grated garlic, and Italian cheese blend. Mix gently.
  3. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
  4. While the meatballs bake, bring broth to a simmer and cook the orzo for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain excess liquid.
  5. Add spinach and cream to the warm orzo, sprinkling in salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
  6. Let the meatballs rest for about 5 minutes after baking.
  7. Nestle the baked meatballs into the creamy spinach orzo and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Customize the recipe by substituting ingredients to suit dietary needs. Great for meal prep!

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