Savory Chicken Meatball Orzo: A Flavorful Dinner Delight

The aroma of Chicken Meatball Orzo fills the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace that feels like a hug from an old friend. Each meatball bursts with flavor, mingling beautifully with the tender orzo, creating a dish that’s not just a meal but an experience that dances on your taste buds.

Remember those nights when dinner felt like a chore? Well, this delightful dish transforms such evenings into culinary adventures worth savoring. Imagine gathering around the table with family and friends, sharing laughter while indulging in a bowl of comfort that’s as easy to make as it is to eat!

Ingredients for Chicken Meatball Orzo

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Chicken: Use lean ground chicken for juicy meatballs without excess fat. You can substitute turkey if preferred.

• Orzo Pasta: This small pasta shape cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well, making it perfect for this dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds brightness and freshness to the meatballs and the overall dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan enriches the meatballs with a rich, nutty flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.

• Garlic Powder: A must-have seasoning that enhances the savory notes in your meatballs without overwhelming them.

• Egg: Acts as a binder in the meatballs, helping them hold their shape during cooking.

• Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water infuses your orzo with additional flavor while it cooks.

For the Sauce:

• Canned Diced Tomatoes: These add moisture and acidity to the dish, balancing out richer flavors beautifully.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that brings warmth and complexity to your sauce without any extra effort.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Meatball Orzo

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients on the counter. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for those flavorful meatballs.

Step 2: Mix It Up

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic powder, chopped parsley, grated parmesan cheese, and one egg. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated—don’t overdo it; we’re making meatballs, not chicken mush!

Step 3: Form Meatballs

Using your hands (or an ice cream scoop if you want to be fancy), form small meatballs about one inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—this helps with cleanup later!

Step 4: Bake Those Balls

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell divine!

Step 5: Cook the Orzo

While those tasty little balls are baking away, bring chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—about eight minutes should do.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Once both components are ready, add the baked meatballs and canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot of cooked orzo. Sprinkle in some Italian seasoning and stir everything together gently for about five minutes on low heat.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Meatball Orzo while basking in compliments from family and friends!

This recipe isn’t just food; it’s a conversation starter—a way to create memories over shared laughter and full bellies!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken meatballs first for that delightful golden crust, then cook the orzo in the same pot to absorb all those flavorful juices while preparing your rich sauce. It’s like multitasking, but way tastier.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the orzo for quinoa or couscous if you’re feeling adventurous. Throw in some spinach or kale for an extra health boost, and don’t be shy with your favorite herbs and spices!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chicken meatball orzo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to revive that creamy goodness and avoid any dry spots.

Cooking this chicken meatball orzo always brings back memories of my family devouring it on a cozy Sunday night, with laughter echoing around the table and everyone secretly hoping there’d be leftovers for lunch the next day.

FAQs:

What is Chicken Meatball Orzo?

Chicken Meatball Orzo is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken meatballs with orzo pasta in a flavorful broth. This comforting meal is not only easy to prepare, but it also offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. You can customize the dish with various vegetables and herbs, making it a versatile choice for any dinner table.

How do I make Chicken Meatball Orzo from scratch?

To make Chicken Meatball Orzo, start by preparing the meatballs using ground chicken, breadcrumbs, garlic, and spices. Sauté them until golden brown. In a separate pot, cook the orzo in chicken broth until tender. Combine the meatballs and orzo in the pot along with your favorite vegetables. Simmer everything together until heated through for a satisfying meal.

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe. While orzo adds a unique texture to Chicken Meatball Orzo, different pasta varieties can still work well. Just ensure that you adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.

Is Chicken Meatball Orzo suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Chicken Meatball Orzo is an excellent choice for meal prep. You can prepare large batches and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat portions as needed for a quick and nutritious meal throughout the week.

Conclusion for Chicken Meatball Orzo:

In summary, Chicken Meatball Orzo is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. With its tender chicken meatballs and satisfying orzo pasta, this recipe is both versatile and easy to customize. Whether you add fresh veggies or herbs, this dish promises to be a favorite at your table. Enjoy making this comforting meal that brings everyone together!

Print

Chicken Meatball Orzo

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Chicken Meatball Orzo is a comforting dish that elevates your weeknight dinners with its tender, flavorful meatballs and fluffy orzo pasta. This recipe combines wholesome ingredients in a savory broth, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and aromas that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 large egg
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground chicken, garlic powder, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and egg until fully combined.
3. Form small meatballs (about 1 inch) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
5. In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil; add orzo and cook until al dente (about 8 minutes).
6. Stir in baked meatballs, diced tomatoes (with juices), and Italian seasoning; gently heat for five minutes.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Substitute turkey for ground chicken if desired. Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.