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marry me chicken meatball orzo

Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo

Anna Chwistek
This one-pan dinner is incredibly delicious and super easy to make: tender meatballs, smooth orzo and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy date night or family gathering!
4.69 from 19 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 607 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Chicken Meatballs

  • 1.1 pounds ground chicken
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp sweet paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dried onion
  • 3 tbsp breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp chopped basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter for cooking

Sauce and orzo

  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 shallot finely chopped
  • 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp chopped basil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan
  • chili flakes for serving
  • freshly ground black pepper for serving

Instructions
 

  • Get your prep done before you start cooking: Finely chop the shallot and mince the garlic cloves. Chop the basil and sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Combine all the ingredients for the meatballs in a large bowl. Mix until just combined, using your hands. Roll the meat into 2 tablespoon-sized balls. It makes for about 18 meatballs.
  • Heat oil and butter over medium in a large nonstick skillet or pot. Add meatballs and brown all over. Remove from skillet. They don't need to be cooked through, we will finish them later.
  • Add shallot and garlic, cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute. Stir in salt, pepper, oregano and tomato paste.
  • Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. To maintain a simmer, reduce the heat to low. Cook uncovered while stirring occasionally to keep the orzo from sticking, until almost al dente and the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
  • Add cream, sun-dried tomatoes and basil. Sprinkle with lemon juice and stir in Parmesan. Return meatballs to the skillet, cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
  • Finish off with chili flakes and freshly grated black pepper. Enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 607kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 35gFat: 46gSaturated Fat: 22gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 239mgSodium: 1471mgPotassium: 1048mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1434IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 256mgIron: 3mg
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