Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo: A Delicious One-Pan Meal

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo is a perfect choice. This one-pan recipe combines tender, juicy chicken meatballs with creamy orzo pasta, all cooked together in a rich and flavorful sun-dried tomato sauce. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal for someone you care about, this dish is sure to impress.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo, from its origins to preparation methods, meal variations, and storage tips. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

What is Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo?

Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo is a spin on the popular “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, which features tender chicken cooked in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce. This version incorporates flavorful chicken meatballs, which add a rich, savory depth to the dish. The meatballs are paired with orzo, a type of pasta shaped like rice, that absorbs the creamy sauce and becomes tender during cooking. The result is a satisfying, creamy one-pan dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

The combination of chicken meatballs and orzo creates a hearty meal that’s both comforting and full of flavor. Thanks to its creamy texture and rich taste, Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo is a meal that might just make you want to marry it!

How Do You Make Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo?

Making Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo is a relatively simple process. With just a few key ingredients and steps, you can prepare this delicious dish in under an hour. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in making this flavorful meal:

Ingredients

To make Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo, you will need the following ingredients:

• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Orzo pasta
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and form the mixture into small meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Cook the Orzo: In the same skillet, sauté some garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the orzo and cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Combine and Serve: Return the meatballs to the skillet and cook everything together for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

With these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo ready to enjoy.

Can I Use Store-Bought Meatballs for Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo?

Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought meatballs for Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo. While homemade meatballs add a personal touch and more flavor, store-bought meatballs can save you time and effort, especially if you’re in a rush or don’t have the ingredients on hand. Look for high-quality chicken meatballs that are minimally processed, or opt for frozen meatballs to make this dish even easier.

Here’s how you can use store-bought meatballs for this recipe:

1. Cook the Meatballs: Follow the package instructions to cook the meatballs, either by baking or pan-frying them.
2. Prepare the Orzo: Cook the orzo and sauce mixture as instructed in the original recipe.
3. Combine Everything: Add the cooked meatballs to the orzo and sauce mixture, and let everything simmer together for a few minutes to heat the meatballs through and blend the flavors.

Using store-bought meatballs is a great shortcut without sacrificing taste, making Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo a quick and convenient meal.

What Are Some Variations of Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo?

Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some variations you can try:

1. Vegetarian Version:

• Swap the chicken meatballs for plant-based meatballs or make your own vegetarian meatballs using lentils, chickpeas, or mushrooms. This variation is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a meatless meal.

2. Spicy Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo:

• Add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the orzo sauce to give the dish some heat. This variation adds a spicy kick to balance the creamy and savory flavors.

3. Mushroom and Spinach Addition:

• For added texture and nutrients, sauté some mushrooms and spinach, and mix them into the orzo. This will complement the meatballs and provide a boost of vitamins.

4. Cheesy Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo:

• Top the finished dish with shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese, then bake it in the oven for a few minutes to get a cheesy, golden crust.

With these variations, you can tailor the dish to your taste preferences while keeping the main flavors intact.

How Can I Store and Reheat Leftovers of Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo?

Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo can be easily stored and reheated for later meals. Follow these simple steps to keep your leftovers fresh:

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: If you have a large batch of leftovers, you can freeze Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, place the dish in a freezer-safe container and label it with the date.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a little liquid to prevent drying out. Heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Oven: If you prefer a crispy top, you can reheat the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.

With these simple steps, your leftovers will remain delicious and ready to enjoy whenever you like.

Can I Make Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo ahead of time. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or preparing a meal in advance for busy days. Here’s how to do it:

Prepare Ahead:

• Cook the Meatballs and Orzo: You can prepare the meatballs and cook the orzo as directed in the recipe. Store the cooked meatballs and orzo separately in the fridge.
• Make the Sauce: You can also prepare the sauce ahead of time by sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and adding the chicken broth and heavy cream. Let the sauce cool and store it in a separate container in the fridge.

Assemble When Ready:

• When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the pre-cooked meatballs, orzo, and sauce in a pan. Heat everything together, and your Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo will be ready to enjoy in no time.

Making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together, which can actually improve the taste. This is a great way to save time without sacrificing flavor!

What Sides Pair Well with Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo?

Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to complete your meal. Here are some great options to complement this creamy, savory dish:

1. Garlic Bread

• A classic side that complements the creamy texture of the orzo. You can make homemade garlic bread using crusty baguette or serve store-bought garlic bread for convenience.

2. Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a crunchy texture and balance the richness of the Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo. The caramelized flavor of roasted vegetables pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

3. Green Salad

• A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the dish. Consider adding arugula, spinach, and mixed greens with some cherry tomatoes and red onions.

4. Steamed Green Beans

• Steamed green beans seasoned with a bit of lemon and olive oil offer a fresh and simple side dish that contrasts nicely with the creamy meatball orzo.

These sides not only enhance the flavors of Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo, but also offer different textures that make your meal feel complete.

Is Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo Suitable for Meal Prep?

Yes, Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo is an excellent dish for meal prep! This dish stores and reheats well, making it an ideal choice for preparing meals in advance. Here’s why it’s great for meal prepping:

1. Stores Well

• After preparing the dish, you can easily store it in airtight containers and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is a good option.

2. Reheats Easily

• Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo reheats wonderfully. Whether you’re using a microwave, stovetop, or oven, the dish will maintain its flavor and texture, especially when stored in a sealed container.

3. Perfect for Lunch or Dinner

• You can portion out individual servings for quick lunches or dinners. Simply reheat the meal when you’re ready to eat, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal with minimal effort.

By prepping this dish ahead of time, you can enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal without the stress of cooking every day.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo?

The cooking time for Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo is relatively quick, especially for a one-pan meal. On average, it will take around 30 to 40 minutes to cook this dish. Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps and their estimated cooking times:

Meatball Preparation (10-15 minutes):

• Forming and cooking the chicken meatballs will take about 10-15 minutes. Be sure to cook them until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.

Cooking the Orzo and Sauce (15-20 minutes):

• While the meatballs cook, you can prepare the orzo in the sauce. The orzo will take about 10-12 minutes to cook, and you’ll need an additional 5-8 minutes to combine everything and allow the flavors to meld.

This makes Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo a relatively quick dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

Can I Make Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo Without Cream Cheese?

Yes, you can make Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo without cream cheese if you prefer. While cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce, there are alternative ingredients that can achieve a similar effect:

1. Heavy Cream

• For a smooth and creamy texture, you can substitute the cream cheese with heavy cream. This will make the sauce rich without the tanginess of cream cheese.

2. Greek Yogurt

• If you want a healthier alternative, Greek yogurt is a great option. It adds creaminess while also providing a bit of protein and a tangy flavor similar to cream cheese.

3. Ricotta Cheese

• Ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute for cream cheese. It will provide a similar creamy texture and will enhance the richness of the sauce.

4. Coconut Milk (for dairy-free):

• If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut milk works as a substitute for the cream cheese. It adds creaminess with a subtle coconut flavor.

These substitutes allow you to adjust the recipe according to your dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo is a flavorful, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that combines juicy chicken meatballs, creamy orzo, and a rich sun-dried tomato sauce. With its versatile ingredients and simple cooking process, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you want to impress your loved ones.

Whether you make it ahead of time or prepare it fresh, Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo will always deliver on flavor and satisfaction. And with plenty of ways to customize and vary the dish, you can keep things interesting every time you make it.

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FAQs

1. Can I make Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo with beef meatballs?

• Yes, you can substitute beef meatballs for the chicken meatballs. However, the flavor will differ slightly, as chicken provides a lighter taste compared to beef.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

• While orzo is ideal for this dish, you can use other small pasta shapes, such as penne or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

3. How do I know when the chicken meatballs are fully cooked?

• To ensure the meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut one open to check for any pinkness.

4. Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo?

• Yes, you can use plant-based meatballs or create vegetarian meatballs using lentils, chickpeas, or mushrooms to make a vegetarian version of this dish.

5. Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

• Absolutely! You can double the recipe to serve a larger group. Just ensure your pan is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients and adjust the cooking time as needed.