One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo Recipe

One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo Recipe: Savory, Juicy & Comforting Dish

I just finished making this incredible one pan chicken meatballs with orzo dish, and I have to tell you – it’s absolutely delicious! After trying countless weeknight dinner recipes, I can confidently say this one hits all the marks.

I love how everything comes together in just one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy this creamy, flavorful meal.

The tender chicken meatballs paired with perfectly cooked orzo in a rich parmesan sauce create the ultimate comfort food combination. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation just like it has in mine.

Ingredients Section

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this amazing one pan meal:

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground chicken – I always use lean ground chicken for the best flavor and texture
• 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs – fine breadcrumbs work better than coarse ones for binding
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – never use the pre-grated stuff from a container; fresh is always better
• 1/4 cup milk – helps keep the meatballs moist and tender
• 1 large egg – acts as the perfect binding agent
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped – adds a bright, fresh flavor
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – use a quality blend for the best results
• 1 teaspoon salt – don’t skip this; it enhances all the other flavors
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic – fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – adds depth without the texture of actual onions
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is preferred
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing the meatballs to golden perfection

For the Garlic Parmesan Orzo:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh is essential here
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – using low-sodium gives you better control over saltiness
• 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta – this rice-shaped pasta is perfect for one-pan cooking
• 2/3 cup heavy cream – don’t substitute with milk; you need the fat content for richness
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – again, fresh is key
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – adjust to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – adds the perfect finishing touch

Note: This recipe serves 4 generous portions, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences:

• Dairy-Free Options: Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. The coconut milk provides the same richness without any dairy.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free orzo or rice-shaped pasta. Make sure to check that your chicken broth is also gluten-free.
• Protein Alternatives: You can easily swap the ground chicken for ground turkey, lean ground beef, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
• Flavor Enhancers: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, sun-dried tomatoes for tanginess, or fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
• Lower-Fat Version: Use ground chicken breast instead of regular ground chicken and substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream while maintaining most of the dish’s creaminess.

Cooking Time

Planning your meal prep is easy with these timing estimates:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious one-pan meal:

• Large mixing bowl – for combining all the meatball ingredients thoroughly
• Large skillet or sauté pan with lid – the star of the show for cooking everything in one place
• Wooden spoon – perfect for deglazing the pan and stirring without scratching
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions
• Grater – essential for freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Small plate – for temporarily holding the cooked meatballs

How to Make One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

This recipe comes together beautifully when you follow these simple steps. The key is taking your time with each stage to build maximum flavor. Let me walk you through exactly how I make this dish every time.

Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining all the meatball ingredients in your large mixing bowl. I like to add the milk and egg first, then mix in the seasonings before adding the ground chicken. This ensures everything gets distributed evenly throughout the meat. Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes so the breadcrumbs can absorb the moisture and create better binding.

Shape and Cook the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into balls about 1 to 1 1/4 inches in diameter – I usually get about 20-24 meatballs from this recipe. Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Sear the meatballs on all sides until they’re golden brown, which takes about 6-8 minutes total. Don’t worry about cooking them through completely at this stage; they’ll finish cooking later with the orzo.

Build the Creamy Orzo Base

Remove the meatballs to a plate and reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and use your wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step is crucial for maximum flavor in your final dish.

Combine and Simmer Everything Together

Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then stir in the orzo, cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Place the seared meatballs on top of the orzo mixture and cover the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. The sauce will thicken as it cooks, creating that perfect creamy consistency.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this dish numerous times, I’ve discovered several tricks that make it even more delicious:

• I always let my meatball mixture rest before shaping – this prevents the meatballs from falling apart during cooking
• When I sear the meatballs, I make sure not to overcrowd the pan, which helps them get that beautiful golden crust
• I’ve learned to stir the orzo gently during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan
• Adding the Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring helps it melt smoothly without clumping
• I taste and adjust the seasoning at the end because the cheese and broth can vary in saltiness
• Sometimes I add a splash of white wine when deglazing for extra depth of flavor
• I’ve found that covering the pan during the final simmer is essential for evenly cooked orzo

How to Serve One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

This dish is beautiful enough to serve straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation. I like to garnish with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added visual appeal. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette makes the perfect light accompaniment to balance the richness of the creamy pasta.

For a more elegant presentation, transfer portions to individual shallow bowls and add a drizzle of good olive oil and some freshly cracked black pepper. Warm crusty bread or garlic bread on the side is always a hit with my family. The creamy sauce is perfect for dipping, and everyone loves soaking up every last bit.

If you’re serving this for guests, consider adding some color with cherry tomatoes or steamed broccoli on the side. The vibrant greens and reds create a beautiful contrast against the creamy white sauce and golden meatballs.

Nutritional Information

Here’s what you can expect from each serving of this satisfying meal:

This hearty one-pan dish provides substantial nutrition to fuel your day while still being indulgent enough for a special dinner.

• Calories: 586 per serving
• Protein: 42 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: 59 grams per serving
• Fat: 20 grams per serving

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is fantastic for meal planning and busy weeknights.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover meatballs and orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Always let the dish cool completely before refrigerating to maintain food safety.

Freezing Options: You can freeze the cooked meatballs separately before adding them to the orzo, which gives you flexibility for future meals. The complete dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. I recommend portioning it into individual servings for easy reheating.

Reheating Instructions: Reheat refrigerated leftovers in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also reheat directly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding liquid as needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one pan chicken meatballs with orzo recipe truly has something for everyone in your household.

• Incredibly Easy Cleanup: Using just one pan means minimal dishes and maximum flavor. You’ll spend more time enjoying dinner with your family and less time scrubbing pots and pans. The entire cooking process happens in your skillet, from searing the meatballs to simmering the creamy orzo.
• Perfect for Busy Weeknights: With only 45 minutes from start to finish, this recipe fits perfectly into hectic schedules. Most of the cooking time is hands-off simmering, so you can help with homework or prepare other parts of your meal. It’s substantial enough to satisfy hungry families without requiring extensive preparation.
• Customizable to Your Taste: The base recipe is delicious as written, but you can easily adapt it to your family’s preferences. Add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes, adjust the spice level, or make it dairy-free with simple substitutions. Every variation I’ve tried has been absolutely delicious.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home: The combination of perfectly seasoned meatballs and creamy Parmesan orzo rivals any Italian restaurant dish. The technique of building layers of flavor by searing the meatballs first and then deglazing the pan creates incredible depth that your family will notice. You’ll feel like a professional chef serving this impressive meal.
• Great for Entertaining: This recipe easily doubles for larger groups and looks beautiful served family-style from the skillet. Guests always ask for the recipe, and it’s sophisticated enough for dinner parties while being approachable enough for casual gatherings. The presentation is naturally rustic and inviting, making everyone feel welcome at your table.