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Lemon Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Pastina


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  • Author: Chef Billy

Description

Tender, zesty chicken meatballs enriched with ricotta, served over a creamy garlic-infused pastina for a comforting and flavorful meal.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup pastina (or small pasta like orzo)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (for pastina)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

  1. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add pastina and minced garlic. Toast for 1-2 minutes, then pour in chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until pastina is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and return meatballs to the skillet. Simmer for another 5 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste.