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Rosemary Chicken Meatballs & Tomato Orzo

Rosemary Chicken Meatballs & Tomato Orzo for Cozy Nights

Juicy Rosemary Chicken Meatballs served over Creamy Tomato Orzo is the ultimate cozy dinner recipe.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Chicken Thigh Can substitute with ground turkey
  • 1 cup Diced Bread Use gluten-free for gluten-free option
  • 2 Tbsp Shallots Finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Ensure to drain if in oil
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Use dairy-free cheese for lactose-free
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Rosemary Fresh is best, dried can be used sparingly
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil For drizzling before baking
Creamy Tomato Orzo
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Coconut cream is a good dairy-free alternative
  • 2 cups Spinach Feel free to mix in other greens
  • 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste Essential for the sauce
  • 1/2 cup White Wine Use vegetable broth for non-alcoholic
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock Low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Can swap with another small pasta

Equipment

  • oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • skillet
  • baking sheet

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Soak the diced bread in warm water for 5 minutes, then squeeze out excess water.
  3. Sauté chopped shallots and garlic in a skillet with butter over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Mix soaked bread, ground chicken, sautéed shallots and garlic, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary, red pepper flakes, and salt in a bowl.
  5. Shape the mixture into approximately 16 meatballs and drizzle olive oil on top.
  6. Bake the meatballs for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. In another skillet, sauté shallots with oil from sun-dried tomatoes for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Add tomato paste and red pepper flakes; stir for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Pour in white wine, let simmer for a minute, then add orzo pasta and chicken stock.
  10. Cook orzo for about 8 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally.
  11. Stir in cream and spinach; cook until cream is incorporated and spinach is wilted.
  12. Plate the tomato orzo and top with warm meatballs. Garnish with crispy rosemary leaves, parmesan, and parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to keep them tender. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

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