One-Pan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo

Why make this recipe

One-Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for any weeknight dinner. It combines tender chicken meatballs and hearty orzo pasta in a creamy sauce, making it both comforting and satisfying. This recipe is also great because it requires minimal cleanup, as everything is cooked in one pan. If you enjoy flavorful chicken dishes, you might also like chicken piccata meatballs or chicken souvlaki with grilled vegetables.

How to make One-Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. In a bowl, mix ground chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
  3. Add meatballs to the skillet and brown on all sides.
  4. Add chicken broth and orzo to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until orzo is cooked.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
  6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

How to serve One-Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

This dish can be served as a main course, accompanied by a side salad or steamed vegetables. A crisp chicken Caesar salad works well as a side, adding a refreshing touch to the meal.

How to store One-Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating. You may also find Chicken Bhuna With Spices useful.

Tips to make One-Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or basil to the meatballs. Another tip is to use whole grain orzo for added nutrition. If you’re looking for a slightly different texture, you could try a similar recipe like chicken with coconut kale, which provides a unique twist.

Variation

You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers into the mix. These can be added along with the orzo during cooking, adding color and nutrients.

FAQs

  1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
    Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute for ground chicken in this recipe.

  2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
    Absolutely! You can use gluten-free orzo or any gluten-free pasta you prefer.

  3. How do I make the meatballs more flavorful?
    To enhance the flavor of your meatballs, try adding grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs to the mix.

Conclusion

One-Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo is a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. For more similar recipes, check out One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo – The Recipe Rebel or explore another great option like One Skillet Greek Meatballs and Lemon Butter Orzo. Happy cooking!

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One-Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo


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  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-free option available

Description

A simple and delicious dish with tender chicken meatballs and hearty orzo pasta in a creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Mix ground chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then form into meatballs.
  3. Add meatballs to the skillet and brown on all sides.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and orzo, bringing to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until orzo is cooked.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
  6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Consider adding herbs like thyme or basil to the meatballs for extra flavor. You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers during cooking.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Chef Anna

Written by Chef Anna

I'm Anna - a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, recipe developer, and the voice behind Chef Johns Gourmet. After a decade in professional kitchens, I now spend my mornings testing recipes and my afternoons writing them down so you can make them perfectly in your own kitchen. Every one of the 1,100+ recipes on this site has been personally cooked, tasted, and refined. I write like I'm standing next to you, walking you through every step. Simple recipes. Bold flavors. Made for real kitchens.

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