Description
A hearty and flavorful Tuscan Chicken Meatball Orzo recipe that combines tender chicken meatballs with creamy orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all simmered in a rich broth. This one-pan dish is perfect for a comforting Italian-inspired meal that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Orzo:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook meatballs until browned, then set aside.
- Prepare the Orzo: In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Add orzo, toast, then pour in chicken broth. Simmer until orzo is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in cream, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan. Add meatballs back to the skillet and simmer until heated through. Garnish and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for chicken for a different flavor.
- For added richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 135mg