Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Orzo – A Must-Try Recipe!
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Orzo is the ultimate comfort dish, blending juicy, flavor-packed chicken meatballs with velvety orzo and a luscious tomato cream sauce. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, rich Parmesan, and fragrant Italian herbs for a meal that’s impossible to resist.
The meatballs are seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a creamy broth infused with garlic, basil, and white wine, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with bold flavors. The orzo soaks up the rich, savory sauce, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and deeply satisfying.
Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive date night meal, this recipe is a foolproof way to win hearts. Serve it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh basil for a restaurant-quality experience at home. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s called Marry Me Chicken!
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Orzo: Ingredients That Make the Magic
Ground Chicken – The foundation of tender, juicy meatballs, offering a lean yet flavorful bite that soaks up the rich, creamy sauce beautifully.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Packed with deep, tangy-sweet intensity, these little gems infuse the dish with an irresistible umami depth and a Mediterranean flair.
Orzo Pasta – A delicate, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs every drop of the luscious sauce, creating a velvety, indulgent texture in every bite.
Parmesan Cheese – Aged and nutty, this classic Italian staple enriches the sauce with a bold, savory depth while binding the meatballs with a touch of indulgence.
Garlic & Onion – The aromatic backbone of the dish, these essentials add warmth, sweetness, and an irresistible savory complexity.
Cream – The luxurious finishing touch, transforming the tomato-infused broth into a silky, velvety sauce that clings to the orzo and meatballs.
Fresh Basil & Italian Seasoning – A fragrant medley of herbs that tie everything together, delivering a burst of freshness and an authentic Italian-inspired aroma.
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Orzo: A Must-Try Recipe
Elevate your pasta game with this delicious and easy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Orzo recipe. A drool-worthy twist on the popular Marry Me Chicken dish, this recipe combines juicy chicken meatballs, creamy orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal to wow your guests.
Recipe Tips
- Perfectly Juicy Meatballs
To ensure tender and flavorful meatballs, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Overworking the chicken mixture can lead to dense and dry meatballs. Instead, gently mix everything until just combined. Also, using a cookie scoop ensures uniform meatballs that cook evenly. - Prevent Orzo from Sticking
Orzo can easily stick to the pan while cooking. Stir it frequently, especially in the first few minutes, and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pan. If the orzo absorbs liquid too quickly, add a splash of broth or water as needed to maintain a creamy texture. - Enhance the Flavor
The reserved sun-dried tomato oil is liquid gold—don’t skip it! It infuses the dish with a deep, rich flavor. Additionally, if you enjoy a hint of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat that balances the creaminess beautifully.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Orzo
- Garlic Bread
A side of crusty garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this creamy orzo dish. The crispy edges and buttery garlic flavors complement the rich tomato-cream sauce, making it perfect for soaking up every last bit. - Simple Green Salad
A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty orzo. Consider a mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, and a lemon-olive oil dressing for a bright and tangy side. - Roasted Vegetables
Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts add a delicious, slightly caramelized depth of flavor that enhances the meal’s overall richness without overpowering the main dish.
FAQ
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to two days or freeze them for longer storage. When ready to cook, proceed with the recipe as usual.
2. Can I substitute the ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and provides a similar light and juicy texture. If you prefer a richer taste, you can also use ground pork or a mix of ground meats.
3. What can I use instead of orzo?
If orzo isn’t available, you can substitute it with other small pasta like ditalini or pearl couscous. Adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.
Enjoy this Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Orzo for a comforting, flavorful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Orzo
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs
- 1 lb. 500g ground chicken (chicken mince) *see note 2
- ½ cup 66g sun-dried tomatoes, drained (reserve the oil) *see note 1
- ½ cup 75g Panko breadcrumbs, more if needed
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan
- 1 large egg
- 1 onion roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- To Cook
- 2 tbsp reserved sun-dried tomato oil or olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup 66g sun-dried tomatoes, chopped *see note 1
- 1 ½ cups 300g orzo pasta
- 3 cups 720ml chicken broth or stock made using 2 chicken stock cubes
- 2 tbsp dry white wine or cooking sherry
- 1 tbsp butter
- ⅓ cup 80ml heavy/double cream
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan plus extra for serving
- 7 oz 200g baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs
- Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basil using a mini chopper or by hand. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Incorporate the ground chicken, Panko breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and ground pepper. Blend thoroughly using a wooden spoon or your hands until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into approximately 24 evenly sized meatballs, using a small cookie scoop for consistency. Lightly oil your hands to ensure smooth, round meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs
- Heat the reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a large pan or casserole dish over medium heat. Sear the meatballs for about 5 minutes, rotating them gently to ensure even browning. Once golden on all sides, remove from the pan and set aside. They will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Put It All Together
- Deglaze the pan by adding a splash of white wine or cooking sherry, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Allow the liquid to reduce until nearly evaporated.
- Melt the butter in the pan, then add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium-low heat until softened and aromatic.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and orzo pasta, ensuring everything is well combined. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return the meatballs to the pan, ensuring they are nestled into the sauce. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
- Introduce the cream and grated Parmesan, stirring until fully incorporated. Finally, fold in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt gently.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
