This creamy orzo with chicken meatballs is a comforting and hearty dish, featuring tender chicken meatballs in a rich and creamy sauce with orzo pasta. It’s an easy, delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- For the Creamy Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Set aside.
- Cook the Orzo:
- While the meatballs are baking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package instructions (usually about 7-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Orzo and Meatballs:
- Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Gently stir in the baked chicken meatballs.
- Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Make it Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
- Add Veggies: Stir in some spinach, peas, or roasted vegetables to make it more hearty.
- Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it perfect for leftovers.
Enjoy this creamy, comforting orzo and chicken meatball dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!