One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with Whipped Feta Recipe

This One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with Whipped Feta takes you on a sunny Mediterranean vacation—no passport required! Savory, juicy chicken meatballs, golden lemony orzo, and a creamy, dreamy whipped feta come together with bold herbs and briny touches for a dinner that dazzles both weeknights and special occasions. The magic? It all happens in just one skillet (plus a blender for the feta), making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how such a handful of simple ingredients work together to create big, bold flavors in this dreamy One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with Whipped Feta. Each element plays a vital role—juicy poultry, fragrant herbs, zesty citrus, and creamy dairy all join forces to make this dish extra special!

• Ground chicken: Delivers a light, tender bite for your meatballs and soaks up all those Mediterranean flavors—swap in turkey if you wish!
• Shallot & garlic: Keep the base aromatic and deep, giving the meatballs their irresistible savory punch.
• Fresh oregano & smoked paprika: The duo that provides classic Greek flavor and a hint of gentle, smoky warmth.
• Lemon (juice and slices): Adds brightness to both the orzo and as a golden-garnished flourish on top.
• Butter & extra-virgin olive oil: For richness, searing, and extra silkiness in the orzo and feta spread.
• Orzo pasta: Baby pasta that cooks just like rice but brings a delightful, tender chew and soaks up all the skillet flavors.
• Green olives: Salty, punchy, and vibrant—these provide a briny depth that makes every bite pop.
• Fresh dill: Bright and herbaceous, dill runs throughout, tying everything together beautifully.
• Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (and the oil!): Deep, sweet-tart flavor and a luscious olive oil base for the vinaigrette.
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds tang and subtle sweetness to balance the vinaigrette.
• Feta cheese, Greek yogurt, and olive oil: The secret trifecta for impossibly creamy whipped feta with just the right amount of tang.
• Arugula and fresh herbs: For a peppery, fresh finish and beautiful color on your serving plate.

Variations

One of the true joys of One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with Whipped Feta is how forgiving and adaptable it is. Whether you need to accommodate dietary preferences or just use up what’s in the fridge, here are some easy ways to tweak the dish to suit any crowd.

• Switch Up Your Protein: Ground turkey, lamb, or even beef make equally delicious meatballs—pick your favorite, or what you have on hand.
• Make it Vegetarian: Swap the meatballs for chickpea “meatballs” or crispy falafel bites—just adjust cooking time and try a veggie broth for the orzo.
• Try Different Pasta Shapes: Can’t find orzo? Use pearl couscous, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti for a fun twist.
• Add Greens: Toss a few handfuls of baby spinach or kale into the orzo as it finishes cooking for extra color and nutrition.
• Spice Level: More heat, less heat, or skip the red pepper flakes altogether—make it your own!

How to Make One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with Whipped Feta

Step 1: Mix and Roll the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Don’t overmix; just toss gently until everything is evenly incorporated. With lightly oiled hands, form tablespoon-sized balls (aim for about 15 in total). Placing them on a plate as you go makes transferring easier and avoids stickiness!

Step 2: Sear the Meatballs

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, nestle in the meatballs, giving them room to breathe. Sear on all sides until golden and fully cooked (about 8–10 minutes total), turning with tongs a couple of times for even browning. Transfer to a plate and set aside—you’ll bring them back soon!

Step 3: Toast the Orzo & Build the Flavor Base

To your same skillet, add the butter and lemon slices. Let those lemon wheels sizzle and caramelize for about a minute on each side, then remove them to your meatball plate (trust me, these seared lemons are pure magic later). Drop in another clove of garlic and your dry orzo. Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until the pasta is toasted and fragrant—it’ll take on a golden sheen and nutty aroma.

Step 4: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in 2½ cups water and 1–2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and cook, stirring often until the orzo is al dente and most of the water is absorbed (about 7–8 minutes). Stir in olives and fresh dill for the final minute. Slide the meatballs and seared lemons right back onto the orzo, nestling everything together to soak up stunning Mediterranean flavor.

Step 5: Whip Up the Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and the balsamic vinegar. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a tablespoon of dill. A sprinkle of salt, pepper, and chili flakes will make this vinaigrette bright, tangy, and beautifully balanced.

Step 6: Make the Whipped Feta

Combine feta cheese, Greek yogurt, and a splash of olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is dreamy, fluffy, and creamy (this only takes a minute or two!). The whipped feta will keep for up to three days—if you don’t devour it immediately with a spoon.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

To serve One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with Whipped Feta, swipe a generous puddle of whipped feta onto each plate. Top with meatballs, lemon-scented orzo, and those irresistible seared lemon wheels. Drizzle with the sun-dried tomato vinaigrette and finish with handfuls of peppery arugula and fresh herbs. Every bite is pure sunshine!

How to Serve One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with Whipped Feta

Garnishes

A dish this vibrant deserves a flourish! Scatter extra fresh dill, parsley, or chives on top, drizzle a bit more sun-dried tomato vinaigrette, and don’t forget the golden seared lemons—they provide a zesty pop and so much visual appeal. A final handful of arugula or microgreens just before serving adds color and freshness with every forkful.

Side Dishes

This One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with Whipped Feta is a satisfying meal on its own, but it’s also fabulous with warm pita, crusty bread, or a simple Greek salad. A platter of marinated olives, grilled veggies, or lemony roasted potatoes is never a bad idea if you’re feeling extra generous!

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of plating individually, try serving family-style straight from the skillet for an inviting, rustic look—perfect for passing around the table. For a party, serve the whipped feta and vinaigrette as dips alongside meatball skewers and mini orzo salad cups. No matter how you plate it, this dish looks—and tastes!—like pure Mediterranean sunshine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The whipped feta keeps beautifully, and the flavors only improve as the orzo and meatballs sit together. If storing components separately, layer orzo and meatballs together and keep the whipped feta in its own container.

Freezing

The meatballs and orzo can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Place in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. (Hold off on freezing the whipped feta—it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.)

Reheating

Warm meatballs and orzo gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen things up. The microwave works too—just use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and reheat in bursts, stirring halfway through. If you’ve stored the whipped feta separately, let it come to room temperature for the creamiest texture before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a little escape, give One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with Whipped Feta a try! It’s vibrant, comforting, and destined to brighten up your table. Everyone will be coming back for seconds—maybe even thirds. Enjoy every Mediterranean-inspired bite!

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