Description

This Summer Squash Orzo Skillet with Chicken Meatballs is packed with flavor from fresh zucchini and juicy meatballs. Perfect for a quick dinner, it’s simple to prepare and features wholesome ingredients like orzo, tomatoes, and a touch of cream for a comforting meal.

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
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon 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

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, italian seasoning, egg, sea salt, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil until mixed thoroughly. Form into meatballs using about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture each and set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on two sides, then remove from the skillet and set aside to finish cooking later.
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion with ¼ teaspoon sea salt for about 2-3 minutes over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional minute.
Stir in the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes. Then add the lemon zest, chicken broth, lemon juice, heavy cream, and the remaining ¾ teaspoon of sea salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and place the meatballs back in the skillet. Cover and simmer for 7-10 minutes or until the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Once everything is cooked through, remove from heat, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese, and serve hot.

Notes

Feel free to substitute zucchini with other summer squash varieties for different flavors.
For extra richness, garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
The meatballs can also be made ahead of time and frozen for quick meals later.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 490
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 130mg