Description
This Tuscan Chicken Meatball Orzo Recipe features tender homemade chicken meatballs simmered in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with spinach and tender orzo pasta. A comforting one-pan meal that combines Italian-inspired flavors with simple ingredients, perfect for a hearty family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce and Pasta
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and shape into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate; they do not need to be fully cooked yet.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1 minute to develop flavor.
- Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the pasta in the flavors and prevent sticking.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the orzo is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the baby spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking just until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving warm. Enjoy this creamy, comforting Tuscan-inspired chicken meatball orzo dish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce fat content.
- Spinach can be replaced with kale or arugula for a different flavor and texture.
- This dish reheats well and makes excellent leftovers, perfect for meal prepping.
