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Tuscan Chicken Meatball Orzo Recipe

Tuscan Chicken Meatball Orzo Recipe


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4.7 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook meatballs until browned, then set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. 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