chicken meatball orzo recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best chicken meatball orzo recipe

I’ve been making this chicken meatball orzo recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of tender chicken meatballs, flavorful orzo, and a rich tomato sauce is a winner.

I love how this recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. It’s also a great way to get my kids to eat more vegetables – they don’t even notice them when they’re mixed in with the meatballs and pasta.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal cleanup. My husband and kids rave about the dish, and I’m always happy to oblige their requests for seconds (or thirds, or fourths…)

I’ve even served it at family gatherings, where it’s always a crowd-pleaser. One of the reasons I adore this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can easily customize it to suit your tastes by adding or subtracting ingredients.

And let’s be real: who doesn’t love a hearty, comforting bowl of pasta on a chilly evening? It’s just one of those recipes that never fails to put a smile on my face.

As an added bonus, it’s relatively healthy compared to other pasta dishes – the chicken meatballs are lean protein, the orzo is whole grain, and the tomato sauce is low in sugar and high in antioxidants. So go ahead, give this recipe a try – your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you!

Chicken Meatball Orzo

4.5 from 1550 votes

A comforting dish featuring tender chicken meatballs and orzo pasta in a savory tomato sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Orzo

2 cups chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt

For the Sauce

1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup water
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
3Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
5Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
7Remove from the oven and set aside.
8In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil.
9Add orzo pasta, olive oil, and salt.
10Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and the broth is absorbed.
11Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
12Remove from heat and set aside.
13In a large skillet, combine marinara sauce, water, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
14Stir well to combine.
15Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
16Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, ensuring each meatball is coated.
17Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
18The sauce should thicken slightly and the meatballs should be heated through.
19Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce.
20Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
21Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the orzo is heated through and well coated in the sauce.
22If the mixture becomes too dry, add a small amount of water to reach your desired consistency.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Large skillet
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Meatball Orzo Works

I always have great success with this recipe. It is a versatile and delicious meal that can be served for any occasion.

It is a perfect dish for a family gathering, potluck, or even a weeknight dinner. I have made this dish for years, and it is always a hit with my family and friends.

It is a great way to use up leftover vegetables or meat, and it’s a great way to feed a crowd. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does, and I encourage you to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to make it your own.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Meatball Orzo

1. What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a short, sturdy pasta shape like penne or rigatoni. This will help the meatballs and sauce cling to the pasta nicely.

2. Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use ground beef if you prefer – just be aware that it will change the flavor profile of the dish slightly.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover meatballs and orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

4. Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months – just be sure to label them with their contents and date.

5. What if I don’t have any orzo on hand?

You can substitute other short pasta shapes like macaroni or ditalini if you don’t have orzo.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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