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Summer-Squash-Orzo-Skillet-with-Chicken-Meatballs-Recipe

Summer Squash Orzo Skillet with Chicken Meatballs

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  • Author: Peter
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dishes
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Description

Savor the delightful combination of chicken meatballs, tender orzo, and fresh summer squash in this easy-to-make skillet dish. Ideal for a quick dinner or a healthy meal, this recipe is bursting with flavor and is sure to impress your family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb. ground chicken
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1.5 teaspoons italian seasoning
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ large white onion, diced
  • ¾ teaspoon sea salt, separated
  • 2 medium zucchinis, halved and sliced
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup orzo
  • Zest from 2 large lemons
  • 1.25 cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 4 oz. burrata cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, egg, sea salt, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix until thoroughly combined..
  2. Shape about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture into meatballs and set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown on two sides, then remove them from the skillet and set aside to finish cooking later.
  4. In the same skillet, add the diced onion with ¼ teaspoon of salt and sauté for 2-3 minutes over medium heat. Then add the zucchini and cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional minute.
  5. Stir in the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes. Add lemon zest, chicken broth, lemon juice, heavy cream, and the remaining salt. Stir well and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  6. Add the meatballs back to the skillet, cover, and let simmer for 7-10 minutes until the orzo is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  7. Once done, remove from heat and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding your favorite herbs such as basil or parsley as a garnish.
Feel free to substitute the chicken with turkey or a plant-based ground option for a different twist.
This dish pairs well with a fresh salad on the side.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg