If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, elegance, and irresistible flavor in one pan, my Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo is the answer. This recipe transforms the viral “Marry Me Chicken” into a hearty, family-style meal by pairing tender chicken meatballs with creamy orzo pasta, all enveloped in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce that’s simply divine.
The name isn’t just cute—this dish has earned its reputation as a meal so delicious it might just inspire a proposal! The combination of savory meatballs, al dente orzo, and that signature creamy sauce creates a restaurant-quality dinner that’s surprisingly easy to prepare in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This
- One-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor
- Perfect balance of protein and carbs for a complete, satisfying meal
- The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is absolutely crave-worthy
- Impressive enough for date night but easy enough for weeknight cooking
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (25g)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs (27g)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, for frying
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2½ cups chicken broth (600g)
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, softened
- ½ package (4 oz) cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup orzo pasta (112g)
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream (357g)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (50g)
- ½ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese (57g)
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (57g)
- Chopped parsley
- Additional sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Combine ground chicken, egg, cheese, herbs, and seasonings. Form into 16 meatballs using greased hands.
- Brown meatballs in olive oil until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside covered.
- In same skillet, melt butter and cook onions and garlic. Add broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Add tomatoes, cream cheese, seasonings. Cook until cream cheese melts. Add orzo and cream, bring to simmer.
- Cover and simmer 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cheeses in last 5 minutes.
- Return meatballs to skillet, warm through. Rest 5 minutes to thicken. Garnish with parsley and tomatoes.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or use evaporated milk in a pinch.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of cayenne to the meatball mixture.
- Try ground turkey instead of chicken for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts to the sauce for extra dimension.
- For meal prep, you can form the meatballs up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- If the orzo absorbs too much liquid, simply add a splash more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This one-pot wonder is a complete meal on its own, but a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette makes the perfect accompaniment to balance the richness of the dish. For a special occasion, serve with garlic bread or focaccia to soak up every last bit of that incredible sauce.
A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy, savory flavors of this dish, making it perfect for date night or entertaining guests.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The dish will thicken as it cools; when reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency.
- Meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are no longer pink in the center.
- For best results, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil rather than dry-packed for extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of orzo?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and possibly the amount of liquid. Arborio rice works well as a substitute with similar cooking times.
How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?
Don’t overmix the meat mixture, and make sure to brown them well before adding to the sauce. The egg and breadcrumbs help bind them together.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The flavor profile will change slightly but will still be delicious.
Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?
The original dish earned its name because it’s supposedly so delicious that serving it to your partner might inspire a marriage proposal! This meatball orzo version carries on that tradition with its irresistible flavor.
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