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

If there’s one weeknight dinner that’s guaranteed to win hearts at my table, it’s One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with Whipped Feta. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is beautiful, layered with flavors, and bursting with bright lemon and fresh herbs—all gloriously brought together in a single skillet for cozy-meets-effortless magic.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about how simple, fresh ingredients turn into such a lively, elegant meal. Each element in One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with Whipped Feta builds its own layer of flavor—so trust me, don’t skip them!

• Ground chicken: Lean yet juicy, ground chicken soaks up all the Greek-inspired seasonings beautifully (feel free to swap with turkey or beef if you’d like).
• Shallot and garlic: The aromatic backbone to both the meatballs and orzo, giving everything its irresistible, mouthwatering depth.
• Fresh oregano and smoked paprika: These Mediterranean essentials bring that bold, herby brightness and a subtle smoky warmth.
• Kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes: A classic trio that keeps all the flavors in delightful harmony with a gentle kick.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Used for both cooking and in the vinaigrette—choose the best you have for that signature Greek richness.
• Lemon (sliced and juiced): Both zest and tang—lemon flavors shimmer through the dish, making it lively and fresh.
• Salted butter: Sautées the orzo and lemons for a golden, luxurious finish.
• Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta soaks up all the pan flavors and gets perfectly tender right in the skillet.
• Pitted green olives: For a briny pop that perks up every bite—don’t miss these!
• Fresh dill: This herby garnish is so bright and classically Greek, and it goes in both the orzo and vinaigrette.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (oil packed): Chopped and used in a quick vinaigrette, plus their flavorful oil works culinary magic.
• Balsamic vinegar: Rounds out the vinaigrette with sweet tanginess.
• Arugula and fresh herbs: Scattered on top for even more color, crunch, and vibrancy—don’t skip this finishing flourish!
• Feta cheese: The star of the whipped feta; choose a block over crumbles for creamiest results.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Blends with the feta for a dreamy, tangy whip that’s outrageously good.

Variations

What I love about One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with Whipped Feta is how endlessly customizable it is! You can tweak the protein, jazz up the orzo, or swap out toppings based on what’s already in your fridge.

• Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based meatballs or roasted chickpeas instead of chicken for a veggie-forward (but still super satisfying) version.
• Try a different protein: Ground turkey, lamb, or even beef will make equally delicious, tender meatballs—choose what you crave!
• Go gluten-free: Substitute the orzo with gluten-free orzo or rice and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Spice it up: Add more crushed red pepper or a sprinkle of cayenne if you’re after a spicier Mediterranean vibe.
• Herb swaps: Toss in fresh mint, parsley, or basil for a different herbal pop—it’s impossible to go wrong.

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

Step 1: Mix and Roll Your Meatballs

Start by combining the ground chicken, chopped shallot, one clove of garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Don’t overmix—just fold until it’s mostly even. Coat your hands with a little olive oil so the mixture doesn’t stick, then gently roll into tablespoon-sized balls. This little trick keeps the meatballs tender and makes cleanup much less messy!

Step 2: Sear the Meatballs to Juicy Perfection

Heat your largest skillet over medium-high and swirl in the olive oil. Once the oil’s shimmering, nestle in the meatballs. Let them sear (don’t fuss or flip too early!) until they’re deeply golden and cooked through, turning a couple of times for an even crust. Once they’re ready, set them aside on a plate (they’ll finish with the orzo later—no worries about them cooling down).

Step 3: Build Flavor in the Skillet

In the same skillet (yay for one pan!), melt the butter, then add your lemon slices. Sear them until gloriously golden—it only takes about a minute per side, and they’ll become beautifully caramelized. Remove those lemons for serving, and toss in the second clove of garlic with the orzo. Stir everything around so the orzo gets toasty and fragrant before pouring in water and a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the orzo is al dente and plump, stirring often so it doesn’t stick. A handful of olives and dill go in next for that signature briny, herby finish.

Step 4: Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

While the orzo cooks, whisk together your reserved sun-dried tomato oil, lemon juice, and balsamic in a small bowl. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh dill, then season with salt, pepper, and a little more crushed red pepper. This punchy vinaigrette adds so much flavor and color—don’t skip it!

Step 5: Whip Up the Feta

In a food processor (or blender), combine feta, Greek yogurt, and olive oil. Blend until dreamy, smooth, and fluffy. This whipped feta can be made up to three days ahead—trust me, you’ll want extra for spreading and dipping!

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

To finish, nestle the meatballs and seared lemons back into the skillet for a quick warm-up. Then, spread a generous swoosh of whipped feta onto plates, drizzle it with that sun-dried tomato vinaigrette, and pile on the lemony orzo and juicy meatballs. Shower the top with arugula, more dill, and any extra herbs. Voilà! You’ve just made One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with Whipped Feta—and you will want seconds.

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

Garnishes

To really make your One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with Whipped Feta pop, sprinkle on plenty of fresh dill and extra arugula just before serving—those pops of green make the dish sing, visually and flavor-wise. A drizzle of the sun-dried tomato vinaigrette over the whipped feta creates the prettiest marbled look, and if you want to go all out, add a few lemon zest curls or an extra splash of good olive oil.

Side Dishes

This dish truly stands on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want to turn dinner into a mini Greek feast, pair it with a crisp cucumber-tomato salad, warm pita bread, or a small bowl of marinated artichokes and olives. A side of roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini would also be beautiful for extra veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

This meal is as stunning as it is hearty! Swirl the whipped feta onto a large platter and arrange the orzo, meatballs, lemons, and herbs in artful clusters over the top—perfect for a family-style spread. For dinner parties, serve in shallow bowls so guests get a little bit of everything in each bite. Or, turn leftovers into lunch by piling them in a warm pita pocket with extra greens and a spoonful of vinaigrette.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with Whipped Feta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the whipped feta separate so the flavors stay bright and the texture creamy—you’ll thank yourself for this organizational moment.

Freezing

The meatballs freeze beautifully—simply arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then pop them into a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the cooked orzo (without greens or vinaigrette) for a quick meal later. Whipped feta is best enjoyed fresh, but in a pinch, you can freeze it and reblend after thawing.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the meatballs and orzo gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to revive the creaminess—microwaving works in a pinch, but cover to avoid drying out. Bring the whipped feta to room temperature and whisk or stir before serving for smooth, spreadable texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that feels just as fit for a weekday as it does for a special occasion, you’ll fall in love with One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo with Whipped Feta. I hope this recipe brings joy and togetherness to your table—don’t forget to toast with a little extra lemon and a big scoop of whipped feta!

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