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Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Orzo

Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Orzo Delight

Enjoy Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Orzo, a delicious combination of tender meatballs and creamy orzo infused with spinach.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Chicken Can swap for ground turkey
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese Well-drained
  • 2 cloves Garlic Grated
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust according to preference
Creamy Spinach Orzo
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Whole wheat orzo can be used
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Can substitute with kale
  • 3 cups Broth Chicken or Vegetable
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Add off the heat to avoid curdling
Topping
  • 1/2 cup Italian Cheeses Parmesan or Mozzarella; can use feta

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Medium Saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, grated garlic, and seasonings. Mix until just combined.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Form the mixture into meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. In a medium saucepan, heat the broth over medium heat, then stir in the orzo and cook for about 9-11 minutes until al dente.
  5. Add fresh spinach to the pot, stirring until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. Slowly incorporate the heavy cream into the orzo and spinach mixture, stirring to create a creamy sauce.
  7. Gently fold the baked meatballs into the orzo mixture and let sit for 5 minutes.
  8. Serve the creamy spinach orzo topped with the meatballs and sprinkle with grated cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftover meatballs and creamy orzo separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Can freeze meatballs for up to 3 months.

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