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Rosemary Chicken Meatballs & Tomato Orzo

Rosemary Chicken Meatballs & Tomato Orzo - A Cozy Dinner Delight

Succulent rosemary chicken meatballs served over creamy tomato orzo, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Chicken Thigh or ground turkey for a lighter option
  • 2 cups Diced Bread use gluten-free bread if necessary
  • 1 cup Shallots finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes chopped
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated, swap for dairy-free cheese if needed
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary chopped, dried can work in a pinch
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes adjust based on spice preference
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or neutral oil
For the Creamy Tomato Orzo
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or coconut cream for dairy-free
  • 2 cups Spinach roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1/2 cup White Wine or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock low-sodium recommended
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta substitute with any small pasta if desired

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • parchment paper

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Soak diced bread in warm water for 5 minutes, then squeeze out excess water.
  3. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté shallots and garlic for 3-4 minutes.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine soaked bread, ground chicken, sautéed shallots and garlic, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently.
  5. Form mixture into about 16 meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
  6. Bake meatballs for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add finely chopped shallots, and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Stir in tomato paste and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1-2 minutes, then add white wine and simmer for 2 minutes.
  9. Add orzo and chicken stock to the skillet, bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and cook for about 8 minutes until orzo is al dente.
  10. Fold in heavy cream and spinach, stir until absorbed and spinach wilted. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  11. Serve meatballs over creamy tomato orzo, garnished with crispy rosemary leaves and extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Ensure soaked bread is moist but well-drained for tender meatballs. Use low-sodium chicken stock to manage salt levels.

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