Looking for a dish that combines bold flavors, creamy textures, and the perfect balance of tangy and savory goodness? These Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Fusilli are the answer! Juicy chicken meatballs infused with zesty lemon, crumbled feta, and fragrant herbs pair beautifully with a comforting bed of garlic-infused fusilli pasta. This recipe brings together Mediterranean-inspired flavors for a dish that’s both easy enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough for a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor – The tanginess of lemon and saltiness of feta create an irresistible taste.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a delicious result.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make extra meatballs and enjoy them in wraps, salads, or on their own.
For a complete Mediterranean experience, pair this dish with a light and refreshing Greek Chicken Pasta Salad. Want a crispy side? Try these Crispy Cauliflower – Perfectly Crunchy Every Time for an added crunch!
With a creamy, garlicky pasta base and tender, flavorful meatballs, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to bring this dish to life!
What You’ll Need
To make this Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Fusilli, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools and ingredients. Being well-prepared ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
Kitchen Tools & Equipment
- Mixing Bowls – For combining the meatball ingredients.
- Large Skillet – To cook the meatballs until golden brown.
- Baking Sheet (Optional) – If you prefer baking over pan-frying.
- Pot for Pasta – To cook the fusilli until perfectly al dente.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring and handling the meatballs gently.
- Zester or Microplane – To get fresh lemon zest for that bright citrus flavor.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
To achieve the best flavor and texture, here’s a quick look at the key ingredients in this recipe:
For the Meatballs:
- Ground Chicken – Lean yet juicy, perfect for absorbing flavors.
- Feta Cheese – Adds a creamy, slightly tangy taste.
- Lemon Zest & Juice – Brightens the flavor with a fresh citrus kick.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley & Oregano) – Enhances the Mediterranean taste.
- Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs together for a tender texture.
- Egg – Keeps everything intact while adding moisture.
- Garlic & Onion – Aromatic ingredients that add depth.
For the Garlic Fusilli Pasta:
- Fusilli Pasta – Its spirals hold onto the creamy, garlicky sauce beautifully.
- Olive Oil & Butter – Creates a rich base for the sauce.
- Garlic – The star ingredient for a flavorful pasta dish.
- Heavy Cream (Optional) – Adds a creamy touch if you prefer a richer sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Complements the feta in the meatballs for extra depth.
This dish pairs wonderfully with Roasted Cranberry Goat Cheese Flatbread as a flavorful appetizer!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Fusilli. Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!
For the Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken (or substitute turkey for a leaner choice)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 egg (large)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying, if pan-frying)
For the Garlic Fusilli Pasta
- 12 oz fusilli pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for added creaminess)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Toppings & Serving Suggestions
- Extra crumbled feta for garnish
- Fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top
- A side of Greek Chicken Pasta Salad for a complete Mediterranean meal
This combination of fresh, zesty, and creamy flavors will make every bite irresistible!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Fusilli from scratch.
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, crumbled feta, lemon zest, lemon juice, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, diced onion, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix with clean hands or a spoon until all ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as it can result in dense meatballs.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing them on a plate or tray. You should get around 16-18 meatballs.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
👉 Pan-Frying Method:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning gently until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
👉 Baking Method (Healthier Alternative):
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the meatballs.
- Lightly spray with cooking oil and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
Step 3: Cook the Fusilli Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt.
- Add fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes) until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the meatballs, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until aromatic.
- Pour in heavy cream (if using), reserved pasta water, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
- Toss the cooked fusilli into the garlic sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Add the lemon chicken feta meatballs on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, extra feta, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh finish.
💡 Serving Tip: Serve alongside Roasted Cranberry Goat Cheese Flatbread for a delicious appetizer.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add the drained fusilli pasta into the skillet with the garlic sauce.
- Toss to coat the pasta evenly, letting it absorb the flavors for 1-2 minutes over low heat.
- Gently place the cooked lemon chicken feta meatballs on top of the pasta.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for extra flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Plate the pasta and meatballs while hot.
- Garnish with extra feta crumbles and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Serve with a side of Crispy Cauliflower – Perfectly Crunchy Every Time for a complete meal.
Now your Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Fusilli are ready to enjoy!
Nutrition Score
This Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Fusilli dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the key components for one serving of the recipe:
Approximate Nutrition per Serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Vitamin A: 12% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 20% of the DV
- Calcium: 15% of the DV
- Iron: 10% of the DV
Health Benefits
- Lean Protein – The chicken meatballs provide a great source of lean protein, supporting muscle repair and overall health.
- Calcium & Vitamin D – Thanks to the feta cheese and Parmesan, you’re getting a good dose of calcium and vitamin D for strong bones.
- Healthy Fats – The olive oil used in both the meatballs and sauce provides heart-healthy fats.
- Fiber – The fusilli pasta adds fiber to the dish, promoting healthy digestion.
This recipe offers a great balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. For a more balanced meal, pair with a side of Greek Chicken Pasta Salad for extra veggies and fiber!
Serving & Storage
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Fusilli is a complete meal on its own, but there are several ways you can elevate the experience.
- Pair with Fresh Greens – Serve with a side of Greek Chicken Pasta Salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Extra Zesty Flavor – Add a squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving to enhance the dish’s citrusy notes.
- Crispy Side Dish – Try serving with a side of Crispy Cauliflower – Perfectly Crunchy Every Time for a delightful crunch.
- Bread – Serve with a warm piece of crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic sauce.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator – Store any leftover Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Fusilli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating – Reheat the meatballs in the microwave or in a skillet with a little extra olive oil for about 3-5 minutes. Reheat the pasta by adding a splash of water or cream and warming it on the stove.
Meal Prep Tip
Make extra meatballs to have on hand for wraps, salads, or even a quick snack throughout the week. These meatballs are versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways!
Variations
One of the best things about this Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Fusilli recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to fit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Swap the Meat
- Turkey: Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option while keeping the texture moist.
- Beef: For a richer flavor, try lean ground beef instead of chicken. The beef pairs wonderfully with the tangy feta and zesty lemon.
- Vegetarian: Replace the meat with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version of the meatballs. Combine with your favorite plant-based feta for an even better flavor.
2. Make It Spicy
- Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a small diced jalapeño to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle extra red pepper flakes on top before serving.
- For a more intense heat, drizzle some sriracha or chili oil on top of the pasta right before serving.
3. Gluten-Free Version
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the meatballs.
- Substitute the fusilli pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas for a completely gluten-free meal.
4. Make It Dairy-Free
- To make the dish dairy-free, swap the feta for a vegan feta and use dairy-free butter and non-dairy cream in the garlic sauce.
- Parmesan can be omitted or replaced with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, dairy-free flavor.
5. Mediterranean Twist
- Add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the meatball mixture or to the pasta for an extra Mediterranean flair.
- Use za’atar seasoning or oregano instead of parsley for a more distinct herb flavor.
These simple swaps and tweaks allow you to personalize the recipe according to your preferences or dietary needs.
FAQs
How do you make lemon chicken feta meatballs from scratch?
Making Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs from scratch is easy and requires just a few simple steps! Start by mixing ground chicken, crumbled feta cheese, lemon zest, garlic, and other seasonings in a bowl. Shape the mixture into meatballs and either pan-fry or bake them. For a detailed guide, refer to the Instructions section above to get the full step-by-step process!
What’s the best pasta to pair with chicken feta meatballs?
For this recipe, fusilli pasta is a fantastic choice as its spiral shape holds the creamy garlic sauce and meatballs wonderfully. However, you can also pair the meatballs with other pasta types like penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni—anything that catches the sauce! If you prefer something lighter, opt for a zucchini noodle or spaghetti squash.
Can I bake instead of pan-fry chicken feta meatballs?
Yes, absolutely! Baking the meatballs is a great alternative to pan-frying. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. This method is slightly healthier and allows you to cook a larger batch with less hands-on effort.
How do you keep chicken meatballs from drying out?
To prevent chicken meatballs from drying out, make sure to use moisture-rich ingredients like feta cheese and breadcrumbs. Also, don’t overcook the meatballs—whether pan-frying or baking, make sure to monitor the internal temperature (it should reach 165°F / 74°C). Another tip is to cook them on medium heat to avoid burning the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
Conclusion
This Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Fusilli recipe is a delicious, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken meatballs, tangy feta, and zesty lemon, all tossed in a rich garlic sauce, creates a dish that is both satisfying and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Not only is it packed with nutrients, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or add your favorite twists to make it your own. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or just preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
So, next time you’re looking for a meal that’s both wholesome and delicious, give this Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Fusilli a try. Pair it with a side of Greek Chicken Pasta Salad or Crispy Cauliflower for the perfect Mediterranean-inspired meal!