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Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Orzo

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Orzo

Elevate your pasta repertoire with this exquisite Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Orzo. A tantalizing reinterpretation of the beloved Marry Me Chicken, this dish showcases succulent chicken meatballs enveloped in a velvety tomato cream sauce, harmoniously paired with delicate orzo pasta for an irresistible meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. Make the Meatballs
  2. Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basil using a mini chopper or by hand. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Cook the Meatballs
  6. 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.
  7. Put It All Together
  8. 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.
  9. Melt the butter in the pan, then add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium-low heat until softened and aromatic.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Introduce the cream and grated Parmesan, stirring until fully incorporated. Finally, fold in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt gently.
  13. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Enjoy this indulgent and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Orzo as a comforting meal that is sure to impress!