Lemon Garlic Chicken Meatballs Orzo (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken Meatballs

01 - 1 lb ground chicken
02 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko)
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - Zest of 1 lemon
07 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
08 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - Salt and pepper to taste
10 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
11 - 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

→ Creamy Orzo

12 - 1 cup orzo pasta
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
14 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
15 - 1 cup chicken broth
16 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
17 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
18 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Garnish (Optional)

19 - Fresh parsley
20 - Lemon wedges

# Instructions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
02 - Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook meatballs 7-9 minutes, turning to brown. Set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add oil/butter. Sauté garlic 1 minute.
05 - Add orzo; toast 2-3 minutes, stirring.
06 - Add chicken broth; simmer 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
07 - Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Season; cook 2 minutes.
08 - Add meatballs to orzo. Simmer 3-4 minutes.
09 - Serve with parsley and lemon wedges.

# Notes:

01 - Add spinach or kale to orzo.
02 - Use half-and-half or plant-based cream.
03 - Add more broth if orzo is dry.