Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- For the Orzo:
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- Salt, for water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 1-1.5 inch meatballs.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook meatballs for 5-6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream and butter. Simmer 2-3 more minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return meatballs to the skillet and coat in the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Divide orzo among plates, top with meatballs and sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more nutrients.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Adjust sauce heat with red pepper flakes.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
