Description
If you’re craving a cozy, savory meal that brings big flavor without a long cook time, this Creamy Garlic Orzo with Lemon Chicken Meatballs is your answer. This easy dinner idea combines juicy, herb-flecked chicken meatballs with rich garlic orzo pasta in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight meals, date nights at home, or impressing friends with minimal effort. The zesty lemon brightens the dish beautifully while the creamy base makes every forkful indulgent. It’s a quick dinner that’s comforting, hearty, and full of irresistible food ideas.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs:
1 lb ground chicken
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Orzo:
1 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make Meatball Mixture: Mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl until just combined.
- Form and Cook Meatballs: Roll into 1-inch balls. Brown in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil for 8-10 minutes until cooked through. Set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Orzo: In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add orzo and cook another minute.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in chicken broth and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Cook until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Add meatballs back to the pan, heat through, garnish with parsley, and serve.