Description
Tender, juicy chicken meatballs blended with creamy ricotta and a smoky paprika kick, nestled over garlicky, herb-kissed orzo—this is one of those comforting meals that feels like a warm hug. Simple enough for weeknights, yet delicious enough to wow guests! 💛
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Orzo:
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, ricotta, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
Roll into 16–18 meatballs (about 1.5 inches each).
Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add a drizzle of olive oil or cooking spray.
Cook meatballs for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
While meatballs cook, heat olive oil in a saucepan and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Stir in orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Mix in parsley, salt, and pepper.
Serve meatballs over warm garlic orzo and garnish with more parsley if desired.
Notes
Don’t overmix your meatball mixture—just enough to bring everything together keeps them light and tender!
Swap parsley for basil if you’re in the mood for something extra fragrant.
Want a kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatballs or the orzo.
- Meal prep friendly! Both components reheat beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg