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