Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo

Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo is a delightful creation featuring my home-made chicken meatballs nestled in creamy orzo pasta, complemented by a luscious sauce crafted from chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, heavy cream, and a medley of cheeses. Inspired by my Marry Me Chicken Pasta, this dish brings the joy of orzo into the mix! Whether you’re planning a special occasion (maybe a proposal?…) or just craving a comforting one-pan dish, this recipe does it all! For an additional treat, be sure to check out my Tuscan Chicken Meatball Orzo.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Chicken Meatballs: My homemade chicken meatballs are flavorful enough to shine on their own, ensuring they add a delicious punch to the creamy, cheesy pasta! Want alternatives? Feel free to use my pork and beef meatballs (the most tender you’ve ever tasted) or my turkey meatballs for a different kick!

• Orzo: This pasta resembles large grains of rice. Smooth and delightful in soups, salads, and as a side, orzo is perfect here, but you can also choose small pasta varieties like elbow macaroni, petite shells, or mini penne—just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly for perfect doneness!

• Chicken Broth: This ingredient brings flavor and contributes to a creamy, smooth sauce. No chicken broth? No problem! You can swap it with chicken stock instead.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Soak these in hot water for about 30 minutes to rehydrate (I typically use around 8 whole sun-dried tomatoes). Drain, pat dry, and chop them up. I love to use a handful for garnish too. Alternatively, you can use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil—simply drain and chop them!

• Cheese Blend: Our sauce combines cream cheese, parmesan, mild cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese, all melting together for a rich, creamy result. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or blends, such as mozzarella, gouda, or provolone to suit your preferences!

Can You Make Meatballs Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Preparing the meatballs ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time. Here are some options for making them in advance:

• Make Ahead (Raw Meatballs): You can prepare the meatballs and freeze them raw. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, bake or fry them straight from frozen, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Make Ahead (Cooked Meatballs): If you’ve already cooked the meatballs, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before mixing in with the orzo!

Can You Use Store-Bought Frozen Meatballs?

Yes, you can definitely opt for frozen meatballs in your Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo! Just cook them per the package directions before combining them with the orzo. It’s a great solution for those busy days when you need a quick meal!

What To Do If The Sauce For Chicken Meatball Orzo Is Too Thick or Too Thin

If you find the sauce is too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth or cream until you achieve a smoother consistency. If the sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer longer to thicken. A little additional parmesan cheese can also work wonders for thickening!

What To Serve With Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo {Best Side Dishes}

Since Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo is rich and hearty, I like to complement it with lighter side dishes to balance the meal. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Garlic Breadsticks
2. Focaccia Breadsticks (my personal favorite!)
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
4. Garlic and Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
5. Roasted Broccoli Salad

How To Store & Reheat Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo

To store your chicken meatball orzo, let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. For reheating, warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, use the microwave in short intervals, or pop it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of broth or cream as needed to keep it creamy!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Chicken Wonton Tacos
• Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken Kebabs
• Savory Burrata & Roasted Tomato Toast
• Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

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Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo

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This Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo features homemade chicken meatballs in creamy orzo, creating a comforting and delicious one-pan meal perfect for special occasions or weekday dinners.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• Chicken Meatballs
• Orzo
• Chicken Broth
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Cheese Blend (Cream Cheese, Parmesan, Mild Cheddar, Monterey Jack)

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Instructions

• Prepare the chicken meatballs and cook until golden.
• Cook orzo in chicken broth according to package instructions.
• Rehydrate and chop sun-dried tomatoes.
• Mix cream cheese and cheeses in a saucepan until melted and creamy.
• Combine meatballs, orzo, sun-dried tomatoes and cheese sauce. Stir well.

Notes

Meatballs can be made in advance and frozen for convenience.
If the sauce is too thick, add chicken broth or cream to thin it out.
Serve with lighter side dishes like garlic bread or roasted vegetables for balance.

• Author: jesseca
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Pasta Dish
• Method: One-Pan
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 4
• Sodium: 850
• Fat: 28
• Saturated Fat: 15
• Unsaturated Fat: 10
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 45
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 30
• Cholesterol: 85