This chicken meatballs with orzo recipe is packed full of Mediterranean flavors and will quickly become one of your family’s favorite meals. This recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights. So what are you waiting for? Get started on this fantastic chicken meatballs with orzo dish today!
Orzo is originally from Greece and is a type of pasta that is shaped like a grain of rice. It can be found in most grocery stores in the pasta aisle.
What is orzo
Originally from Greece, orzo is a small type of pasta that is shaped like a grain of rice. It can be found in most grocery stores in the pasta aisle. It is commonly used in soups and salads but can also be used in main dishes. Orzo takes on the flavor of whatever it is cooked with, making it a versatile pasta in various recipes. In Australia, it is often called and sold as ‘risotto rice’ or ‘risoni’.
There are also different types of orzo, including whole wheat orzo, which is made with whole wheat flour, and gluten-free orzo, which is made with rice flour.
Because of its pasta-like properties, orzo can be substituted for any small-shaped pasta like mini shells or ditalini.
How to cook orzo
Orzo can be cooked like any other type of pasta. Aside from boiling and adding salt to taste, you can also choose how al dente or soft you want to eat. Cooks just as fast, too, about 10-15 minutes.
How to make chicken meatballs
To make chicken meatballs, you will need :
– chicken mince
– onion, finely chopped
– breadcrumbs
– parsley, finely chopped
– garlic powder
– salt and pepper to taste
What to serve with this dish
This dish is excellent on its own, but if you want to add a little bit extra next to it, I recommend a simple green salad and some crusty bread, as it already enjoys an excellent choice of protein and is filling enough on its own.
Chicken Meatballs with Orzo
Course: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings20
minutes45
minutes573
kcal1
hour5
minutesThis chicken meatball with orzo recipe is packed full of Mediterranean flavors and will quickly become one of your family’s favorite meals.
Ingredients
- Chicken Meatballs
1 pound ground turkey or chicken
1 egg
1/2 cup of panko
1/2 cup of parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon (each) of garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt
- Sauce
2 large cloves of minced garlic
1–2 cups of sliced peppers (see notes)
1/4 cup of capers (optional)
1 14-ounce can of plain tomato sauce
1 teaspoon of kosher salt (to taste)
- Creamy Orzo
8 ounces of uncooked orzo
1/4 cup of something creamy – mascarpone is my preferred choice, but you could also use cream, cream cheese, goat cheese, or butter
kosher salt, Parmesan cheese, and parsley for finishing
Directions
- Meatballs: Mix the meatball ingredients together and roll them into meatballs. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little bit of olive oil. Add and cook the meatballs until browned all over. Remove from pan and set aside to cool. You can also bake the meatballs at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
- Sauce: Add the peppers and garlic to the same pan (the meatballs one) with a little more oil (if needed). Get all the tasty browned bits off the bottom of the pan and sauté the peppers and garlic for 5-10 minutes.
- Sauce: Add the meatballs back into the pan and stir in the tomato sauce and capers (optional). Bring everything to a low simmer and let it hang out. Make sure to add a little water if it gets too dry.
- Orzo: Cook the orzo according to your package directions. Drain and mix with something creamy, and finish by seasoning with salt, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- That’s it: Plate and serve!
Notes
- For Peppers, I used the small and sweet mini peppers! You can also use regular bell peppers if you cut them into thin strips or small pieces.