Nothing beats a “one-pan wonder” to rescue the evening in the midst of a hectic week. At the crossroads of gourmet taste and easy preparation lies this recipe for Creamy Chicken Meatballs & Orzo. Achieving the same level of flavor as it would take hours using high-quality pre-cooked chicken meatballs and the ingenious method of toasting orzo may be accomplished in just 25 minutes.
With its savory, silky, and exceedingly gratifying ingredients, this meal embodies the spirit of Italian-American comfort. You don’t need a mountain of dishes to make a restaurant-quality dinner, whether you’re making it for a family or packing a fancy lunch for the next several days. This recipe is proof of that.
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Course: Main Course
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 3-4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 550-600 kcal
Ingredients:
- 1 package (approx. 16 oz) pre-cooked chicken meatballs (e.g., frozen or refrigerated)
- 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
- 2 ¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Cooking spray (e.g., olive oil or avocado oil spray)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Brown Meatballs: Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Add the chicken meatballs and cook for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are nicely browned on all sides and heated through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the dry orzo pasta and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes, until the orzo is lightly golden and has a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it.
- Combine Liquids & Season: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the toasted orzo. Add the ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer with Meatballs: Carefully return the browned chicken meatballs to the skillet, nestling them among the orzo and liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Rest & Serve: After 10 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat, but keep it covered for another 5 minutes. This resting period allows the orzo to fully absorb the liquid and the sauce to thicken to a creamy consistency. Uncover, stir gently, and serve hot. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Creamy Orzo with Chicken Meatballs
- 1 pkg (16 oz) pre-cooked chicken meatballs
- 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
- 2 ¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan, plus more
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Cooking spray
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Brown Meatballs
Heat skillet over medium heat, spray lightly. Cook meatballs ~8 min, turning until browned. Set aside.
Toast Orzo
Melt butter in same skillet. Add orzo, stir 2–3 min until golden and nutty.
Combine & Season
Add broth, cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Simmer
Return meatballs, bring to simmer, cover on low for 10 min.
Rest & Serve
Remove from heat, keep covered 5 min. Stir, top with Parmesan & parsley.
Final Thoughts: A Work of Art in Its Simplest Form
One of the best things about a well-made meal is the bond it can establish between family and friends over a shared experience. More than simply a recipe, this Creamy Chicken Meatball & Orzo is an invitation to join in the long and storied history of our shared culinary heritage.
We choose this dish with care because it can accommodate any lifestyle, be it making a nice supper, a fast lunch, or meal prep for the week. We want to show that with the correct methods, a little passion, and the correct guidance, anyone can become a master chef. Just do it! There’s nothing like the satisfaction of making and eating a home-cooked dinner.
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