Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that promises both comfort and flavor? Look no further than these One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo! This Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines juicy chicken meatballs with perfectly cooked orzo pasta, all simmered together in a savory broth that will have your taste buds dancing. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a meal that not only looks impressive but also delivers on taste. Whether you're cooking for family or hosting friends, this one-pan wonder is sure to be a hit. Ready to dive into the recipe that will make you the star of the kitchen? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by finely chopping any fresh herbs if using, and measuring out all components before starting cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, half of the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until well incorporated.
- Shape the chicken mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create around 12-16 meatballs depending on size preference.
- Heat a large skillet or wide pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the chicken meatballs into the hot pan, allowing them to brown on each side. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning.
- Once meatballs are golden brown, add orzo pasta and chicken broth directly to the same pan. Stir gently to distribute ingredients.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes. The orzo should absorb the liquid and become tender.
- Check meatballs for internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked. Verify orzo is al dente.
- Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese over the dish. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired, and serve hot directly from the pan.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop any fresh herbs and measure out your ingredients before you start cooking. This will streamline the process and make cooking more enjoyable.
- Uniform Meatballs: When shaping your meatballs, aim for uniform size (about
- 5 inches) to ensure they cook evenly. Using a cookie scoop can help achieve consistent sizes.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Allow the meatballs to brown properly in the skillet. This step adds flavor and texture, so resist the urge to overcrowd the pan.
- Monitor the Liquid: Keep an eye on the liquid level while the orzo simmers. If it looks too dry, add a splash more chicken broth to ensure the orzo cooks properly.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F. This ensures they are safe to eat and perfectly cooked.
- Garnish for Flavor: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil not only add color but also enhance the dish's flavor. Sprinkle them on just before serving for the best results.
- Serve Straight from the Pan: This dish looks beautiful served directly from the skillet, making cleanup a breeze and keeping the meal warm for your guests.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 358kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 90mg
