Description
Tuscan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo is a delightful, one-pan meal that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy right to your table. In just 45 minutes, you can enjoy tender chicken meatballs infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs, all nestled in a creamy orzo pasta dish. This hearty recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners and is sure to please kids and adults alike. With minimal cleanup and versatile ingredients, it’s an easy choice for any home cook looking to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup dry breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
- ⅔ cup cream (18%-35% fat)
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, dry breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, parsley (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, minced garlic, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix gently.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook meatballs until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, salt, oregano, black pepper, and chili flakes; cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer; stir in dry orzo and return meatballs to the skillet. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese until melted; add spinach until wilted before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg