Description
This Tuscan chicken meatballs and orzo is a comforting one-skillet meal with juicy meatballs, creamy parmesan orzo, and rich flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp oil
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 Tbsp tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp red chili flakes
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
2/3 cup cream
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic, onion powder, and pepper. Mix gently and let rest 10–20 minutes.
- Form mixture into 1 to 1 1/4 inch meatballs.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs on all sides until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, salt, oregano, black pepper, and chili flakes. Cook until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in orzo, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer on medium-low for about 10 minutes until orzo is tender and meatballs are cooked through.
- Stir in chopped spinach and let wilt.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Swap ground chicken with turkey if desired.
Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version.
Add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Increase or reduce chili flakes to adjust spice level.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat with added broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
