One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dinner that combines tender chicken meatballs with creamy garlic Parmesan orzo pasta. This dish is cooked entirely in one pan, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without creating a lot of dishes. The juicy chicken meatballs are seasoned with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, then simmered in a rich creamy sauce with tender orzo pasta. As the orzo cooks, it absorbs the savory chicken broth and cream, creating a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the meatballs. This One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo recipe delivers a balanced meal with protein, pasta, and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients for Chicken Meatballs with Orzo
This recipe includes two main components: homemade chicken meatballs and creamy garlic Parmesan orzo.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground chicken | 1 pound | Main protein |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup | Binds meatballs |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | Flavor |
| Milk | ¼ cup | Moisture |
| Egg | 1 | Binder |
| Fresh parsley | ¼ cup | Optional |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | Flavor |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Seasoning |
| Garlic | 1 teaspoon | Minced |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon | Flavor |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Seasoning |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons | For cooking |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | For orzo |
| Chicken broth | 2½ cups | Cooking liquid |
| Orzo pasta | 1½ cups | Pasta |
| Cream | ⅔ cup | Sauce |
| Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup | Sauce flavor |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Seasoning |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Seasoning |
Why Orzo Works Well in One Pan Meals
Orzo is a small pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors from the broth and sauce, making it ideal for one pan recipes.
Ingredient Tips
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives the sauce a stronger flavor and smoother texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic, onion powder, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
2. Rest the Mixture
Allow the mixture to sit for 10 to 20 minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb moisture.
3. Form the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into small meatballs about 1 to 1¼ inches in size.
4. Sear the Meatballs
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs until golden brown on all sides.
5. Remove the Meatballs
Transfer the meatballs to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
6. Cook the Garlic
Reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic in the same skillet for about 1 minute.
7. Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to release browned bits.
8. Add the Orzo and Cream
Stir in orzo pasta, cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
9. Simmer the Dish
Place the meatballs back into the skillet, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender.
10. Serve
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning before serving.
Helpful Cooking Tips
• Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
• Brown the meatballs well for deeper flavor.
• Stir the orzo occasionally so it does not stick.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting.
• The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Serving, Storing, and Making Ahead
Serving Ideas
Serve chicken meatballs with orzo alongside roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Meal Prep
This recipe works well for meal prep because it reheats easily.
Conclusion
One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo is a comforting and satisfying meal that combines tender meatballs with creamy Parmesan pasta. The simple preparation and one pan cooking method make it ideal for busy weeknights. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Print
One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo – Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
One pan chicken meatballs with creamy garlic Parmesan orzo pasta. A comforting and easy weeknight dinner ready in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons oil
2 cloves garlic minced
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups dry orzo
2/3 cup cream
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Combine chicken breadcrumbs Parmesan milk egg parsley and seasonings.
2. Let mixture rest for 10 minutes.
3. Roll mixture into meatballs.
4. Sear meatballs in skillet until golden.
5. Remove meatballs from pan.
6. Cook garlic in same skillet.
7. Add chicken broth and scrape pan.
8. Stir in orzo cream Parmesan salt and pepper.
9. Return meatballs to skillet and simmer until orzo is tender.
10. Serve warm.
Notes
Do not overmix meatball mixture.
Sauce thickens as it cools.
Add extra broth when reheating if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pan
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ground turkey be used instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute.
What is orzo pasta?
Orzo is a small rice-shaped pasta commonly used in soups and pasta dishes.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, it can be refrigerated and reheated later.
How do you keep chicken meatballs tender?
Avoid overmixing and include ingredients like milk and breadcrumbs.