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Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo

A luxurious one-pot meal featuring tender chicken meatballs nestled in a creamy, cheesy orzo pasta with sun-dried tomatoes. This comforting dish balances rich flavors with simple preparation for an impressive dinner that's worthy of its romantic name.  
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main-course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 897
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese 25g
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons whole milk
  • ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs 27g
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for frying
  • Pasta
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2½ cups chicken broth 600g
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes softened
  • ½ package 4 oz cream cheese
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup orzo pasta 112g
  • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream 357g
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese 50g
  • ½ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese 57g
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 57g
  • Garnish
  • Chopped parsley
  • Additional sun-dried tomatoes

Method
 

  1. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, beaten egg, grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, kosher salt, black pepper, whole milk, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and chopped yellow onion. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, being careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.
  2. Form and brown the meatballs: With lightly greased hands to prevent sticking, form the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs (about 1½ inches in diameter). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, and brown on all sides until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
  3. Start the pasta base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate those flavors into the sauce.
  4. Create the creamy sauce: Add the softened sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese has completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This forms the flavorful base of your creamy sauce.
  5. Cook the orzo: Add the orzo pasta and heavy whipping cream to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the parmesan, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  6. Combine and finish the dish: Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy orzo. Simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes until the meatballs are heated through. Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional sun-dried tomatoes before serving.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
  • If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them well before adding to the dish, or use dry-packed tomatoes that have been rehydrated.
  • This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For added flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the meatball mixture.
  • The dish name "Marry Me" refers to its reputation as being so delicious that it might inspire a marriage proposal!