Description
This Rosemary Chicken Meatballs with Tomato Orzo recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken meatballs infused with fresh rosemary and Parmesan cheese, nestled in a rich, homemade tomato sauce with perfectly cooked orzo pasta. It’s an easy and delicious one-pan meal ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 1.5 lbs ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Sauce and Orzo
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix carefully to avoid overworking the meat.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small 1-inch diameter meatballs and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill Meatballs: Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate the meatballs for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to bake the meatballs.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, pan-fry them if you prefer.
- Pan-Fry Option: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add meatballs in a single layer, and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- Set Meatballs Aside: Remove cooked meatballs from heat and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Add orzo pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir together, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Combine Meatballs and Orzo: Gently stir the cooked meatballs into the tomato orzo mixture.
- Simmer to Meld Flavors: Continue to simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes, allowing meatballs to warm through and flavors to blend.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Notes
- Using panko breadcrumbs gives a lighter texture to the meatballs.
- Chilling meatballs before cooking helps them hold their shape better.
- You can pan-fry the meatballs instead of baking if preferred.
- Simmering the meatballs in the tomato orzo allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Fresh herbs like basil add a nice finishing touch but are optional.
- Leftover meatballs and tomato orzo reheat well for convenient next-day meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: rosemary chicken meatballs, tomato orzo, easy chicken meatballs, Italian chicken recipe, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner, ground chicken meatballs
