Description
This Baked Lemon Rosemary Chicken Meatballs and Creamy Orzo is a comforting one-pan dinner featuring tender, herbed meatballs baked with creamy, cheesy orzo and brightened with lemon and herbs. It’s cozy yet refreshing, making it perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken or turkey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped lemon peel
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (or to taste)
- 1 pound dry orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken or turkey with Dijon mustard, shallot, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and parmesan until just combined.
- Form into tablespoon-sized meatballs and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon peel, dill, and chili flakes.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden. Reduce oven temperature to 400°F (204°C).
- Add dry orzo to the dish along with water and white wine. Stir gently.
- Top with chopped spinach and return to oven for 12–15 minutes, until orzo is mostly cooked but slightly saucy.
- Remove dish, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk, and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbly. Drain excess oil if needed and serve warm.
Notes
- Use turkey for a leaner meatball option.
- Swap heavy cream and cheese for coconut milk and dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Add extra spinach or kale for more greens.
- Boost brightness with extra lemon peel before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
