Savory Baked Sage Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Orzo Recipe

Savory baked sage chicken meatballs dance with creamy parmesan orzo, creating a symphony of comfort on your plate.

Fragrant herbs infuse each tender morsel with Mediterranean warmth.

Lean protein meets delicate pasta in a delightful culinary embrace.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients combine with unexpected grace.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special that feels both effortless and impressive.

Crisp edges and soft centers promise a meal that sparks conversation and satisfies deeply.

Grab a fork and let this dish become your new dinnertime favorite.

Sage Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan Orzo That Satisfy Fully

• Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner: This sage chicken meatball recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
• Quick Gourmet Experience: Impress family and guests with restaurant-quality flavors in just 45 minutes of total cooking time.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Easily adaptable dish that works perfectly for casual family dinners or elegant weekend entertaining.
• Nutrient-Packed Meal Solution: Combines lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from orzo, and nutritious spinach for a balanced plate that satisfies multiple dietary needs.

Ingredients for Sage Chicken Meatballs and Orzo

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that forms the base of the meatballs, mild flavor works best with fresh, high-quality meat.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and helps bind the meatballs together.

• Bread, Warm Water: Helps create a moist, tender texture in the meatballs, softens bread for better integration.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps soften aromatics.

• Shallot, Garlic: Provide complex, savory base flavors for the meatballs.
• Sage, Parsley, Thyme: Fresh herbs that bring bright, earthy notes to both meatballs and orzo.
• Granulated Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Add extra depth and subtle heat to the meatball mixture.

• Orzo Pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy, risotto-like side dish.
• White Wine: Adds acidity and depth of flavor to the orzo.
• Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and rich flavor for cooking the pasta.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture in the orzo.
• Spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and light freshness to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps create golden color and moisture for meatballs.
• Black Pepper: Adds final sharp, aromatic seasoning.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all flavors throughout the dish.

Baked Sage Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Orzo – How to Cook

Step 1: Mix Meatball Magic

Crank up the oven to a sizzling 450°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, giving it a light olive oil massage.

Toss diced bread into a roomy bowl and shower it with warm water, letting it soak and soften for 5 minutes.

Fire up a skillet over medium heat and melt butter until it’s golden.

Toss in shallots and garlic, cooking them until they’re tender and fragrant.

Sprinkle in granulated garlic and red pepper flakes, then kill the heat.

• Ground chicken
• Parmesan cheese
• Sage
• Parsley
• Salt
• Sautéed shallot mixture

Blend everything together with love.

Shape the mixture into 15 adorable meatballs, packing them tight.

Place them on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and send them into the oven for 25-30 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through.

Step 2: Create Luxurious Orzo

Clean out the skillet and return it to medium heat.

Melt butter and add sage leaves, letting them crisp up beautifully.

Rescue the crispy sage and set aside on a paper towel.

Introduce shallots to the butter, season with salt, and let them dance for 2 minutes.

Invite orzo to the party and stir.

Pour in white wine and sprinkle thyme.

Let it simmer for 2 minutes.

Add chicken stock, bring to a gentle bubble, and cook for about 6 minutes, stirring frequently.

• Heavy cream
• Spinach
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until spinach wilts and cheese melts.

Season with salt to taste.

Remove thyme sprigs.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Nestle chicken meatballs on top of the creamy orzo.

Shower with crispy sage, crack some black pepper, sprinkle extra Parmesan, and garnish with chopped parsley and thyme if you’re feeling fancy.

Chicken Meatball Tips With Sage Harmony

• Soak bread in warm water to ensure chicken meatballs stay juicy and tender, preventing dryness during baking.
• Carefully fry sage leaves in butter until crispy to add a delightful aromatic garnish and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Continuously stir orzo while cooking to avoid clumping and achieve a creamy, evenly cooked texture.
• Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or lean ground beef for variety without changing core recipe techniques.
• Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to personalize heat intensity, making the dish suitable for different taste preferences.

Chicken Meatballs With Parmesan Orzo That Heat Like Fresh

• Store leftover meatballs and orzo in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap meatballs individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 1 month. Freeze orzo separately in sealed containers.
• Warm in 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature periodically.
• Add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken stock or water when reheating to restore moisture. Stir gently in microwave or on stovetop until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

Sips That Pair With Chicken Meatballs

• Enhance Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the sage and chicken flavors, cutting through the creamy orzo richness.
• Craft Herb Accompaniment: Serve a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, adding bright, zesty notes that echo the sage and parsley in the meatballs.
• Elevate Side Dish: Roast seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus with olive oil and sea salt to provide a light, caramelized contrast to the creamy orzo and tender meatballs.
• Boost Bread Option: Serve warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a textural counterpoint to the soft meatballs and creamy orzo.

Baked Sage Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Orzo Mix-Ups

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace bread with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Transformation
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, creamy texture of the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk to maintain creaminess and accommodate dairy restrictions.

FAQs

• What type of chicken should I use for the meatballs?

Ground chicken works best for this recipe. It provides a lean and tender texture that holds together well when mixed with breadcrumbs and herbs.

• Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance. Form them and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help the flavors meld together and make meal prep easier.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

A large mixing bowl, baking sheet, and skillet are the primary tools you’ll need. Parchment paper helps prevent sticking, but isn’t absolutely necessary.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

No, the recipe contains bread for the meatballs. To make it gluten-free, you’d need to substitute the bread with gluten-free breadcrumbs or another binding agent like almond flour.

Baked Sage Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Orzo Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent sage chicken meatballs nestled on a bed of creamy parmesan orzo create a comforting Italian-inspired dinner. Herbaceous and tender, these meatballs bring warmth to your plate, inviting you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds ground chicken thigh
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 ounces (56 grams) fresh Italian bread, diced
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 shallot, minced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Orzo and Accompaniments:

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 sage leaves
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 small handful fresh thyme sprigs, tied in kitchen twine
• 1.5 cups chicken stock
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 ounces (56 grams) fresh spinach (approximately 2 cups)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Freshly cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft a savory foundation by soaking bread cubes in warm water, which will help bind the meatballs and enhance their tenderness.
2. Sauté finely chopped shallots and minced garlic in butter until they become translucent and fragrant, infusing the base with aromatic depth.
3. Combine ground chicken with softened bread, grated Parmesan, chopped sage, parsley, and the sautéed aromatics, mixing gently to maintain a light texture.
4. Meticulously shape the mixture into uniform meatballs, ensuring they are compact and will hold together during baking.
5. Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzling with olive oil to promote golden browning and prevent sticking.
6. Roast in a preheated 450°F oven, rotating the pan midway to ensure even cooking and a rich, caramelized exterior.
7. While meatballs bake, crisp sage leaves in butter, creating a fragrant garnish that will add visual and flavor complexity.
8. Toast orzo in the same butter, developing a nutty undertone before deglazing with white wine and simmering with chicken stock.
9. Incorporate heavy cream, wilted spinach, and Parmesan into the orzo, creating a luxurious, creamy base with vibrant green notes.
10. Plate the golden meatballs atop the creamy orzo, garnishing with crispy sage leaves, freshly cracked pepper, and additional herbs for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Notes

• Swap ground chicken with turkey or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
• Ensure meatballs are packed tightly to prevent crumbling during baking.
• Toast orzo briefly before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
• Use fresh herbs for maximum aromatic impact and vibrant taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg