The Enchanting Marry Me Chicken Meatballs with Risoni Recipe

These succulent marry me chicken meatballs pack a punch of flavor that could potentially seal romantic deals.

Friends constantly beg me for this recipe after one bite.

Small, tender spheres of seasoned ground chicken dance with herbs and spices.

Creamy risoni provides a perfect companion to these delectable meatballs, creating a comforting meal that feels both elegant and approachable.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty richness that complements the delicate meat mixture.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of textures and warm, inviting flavors.

Let’s make magic happen in your kitchen and turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Combine Tenderness with Creamy Sauce

• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up a delectable one-pan dinner that combines tender chicken meatballs with creamy risoni in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight cooking.
• Versatile Family Pleaser: Customize the dish with mild spices for kids or kick up heat with extra chili flakes, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and age groups.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: Single skillet preparation means less washing up, saving precious time after a long day and reducing kitchen mess dramatically.
• Nutrition-Packed Delight: Packed with protein from chicken, greens from spinach, and balanced with creamy parmesan, this meal delivers wholesome nutrition in every delicious bite.

Chicken Meatballs & Orzo Ingredient List

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base for tender, juicy meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and provides light texture.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold meatballs together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor to the meatballs.
• Onion, Garlic: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic base.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense, sweet-tangy flavor component.
• Tomato Paste: Enhances sauce richness and color.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds bright, acidic balance to the sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Creates liquid base for cooking risoni and meatballs.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding smooth texture.

• Risoni (Orzo): Small pasta that absorbs sauce beautifully.
• Heavy Cream: Creates creamy, luxurious sauce texture.
• Baby Spinach: Adds fresh green color and light nutrition.
• Oregano: Provides classic Mediterranean herb flavor.
• Chili Flakes: Offers subtle heat and spice kick.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential for seasoning and balance.

Chicken Meatballs with Risoni Prep Walkthrough

Step 1: Blend Meatball Mixture

• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Onion
• Garlic
• Egg
• Parmesan
• Milk
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Gently mix until ingredients are just incorporated.

Roll the mixture into small, uniform meatballs.

Step 2: Brown Meatballs

Heat a large skillet over medium temperature.

Spray or drizzle olive oil.

Sear meatballs in batches, rotating to achieve golden-brown coloration on all surfaces.

Remove meatballs and set aside temporarily.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

In the same pan, add olive oil.

Sauté diced onions until they become translucent.

Introduce sun-dried tomatoes, red wine vinegar, and tomato paste.

Cook for a brief two minutes to develop deep flavors.

Step 4: Build the Liquid Foundation

Pour in chicken stock, risoni, oregano, chili flakes, black pepper, and water.

Stir ingredients thoroughly to combine.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook

Return meatballs to the pan.

Cover and reduce heat to medium-low.

Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Verify that pasta reaches tenderness and meatballs are fully cooked.

Step 6: Finish with Creamy Touches

Incorporate cream, baby spinach, and parmesan.

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce transforms into a luxurious, creamy consistency.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle extra chili flakes and parmesan on top.

Plate and enjoy your delectable Marry Me Chicken Meatballs with Risoni.

Risoni Pasta Tips for Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

• Gently mix ingredients just until combined to keep meatballs tender and prevent tough texture.
• Brown meatballs in batches to develop rich, caramelized flavor and lock in juices before simmering.
• Opt for oil-packed varieties for deeper, more intense taste and smoother sauce consistency.
• Add spinach at the very end of cooking to maintain bright green color and preserve nutritional value.
• Adjust chili flakes to personal preference, starting with a pinch and gradually increasing for desired heat.

Store Marry Me Chicken Meatballs with Ease

• Store leftover meatballs and risoni in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent drying out and maintain sauce consistency.
• Pack cooled meatballs and risoni in freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken Meatballs and Orzo

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc complements the rich, creamy sauce and cuts through the savory meatballs with its bright acidity.
• Create a Rustic Salad Side: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's rich flavors and add fresh, peppery notes.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Serve crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sun-dried tomato cream sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast.
• Recommend Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or chopped parsley on top to add a bright, aromatic element that elevates the overall flavor profile.

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs with Orzo Made Differently

• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace ground chicken with plant-based alternative like lentil or chickpea mixture. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a complete meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free risoni or quinoa as pasta replacement to accommodate celiac needs.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute risoni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce tomato paste and use fewer carb-heavy ingredients while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of dairy cream. Replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese substitute to create a creamy texture without traditional dairy products.

FAQs

• What makes these meatballs different from traditional ones?

These chicken meatballs are packed with flavor from parmesan, herbs, and spices, creating a more sophisticated taste profile compared to standard meatballs.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute and will work perfectly with the same seasonings and cooking method.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from chili flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference by adding more or less, or omitting them completely for a non-spicy version.

• What type of pan works best for this recipe?

A large skillet or deep sauté pan is ideal, providing enough space to sear meatballs and cook the risoni simultaneously while creating a delicious one-pan meal.

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs with Risoni (Orzo) Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent marry me chicken meatballs dance with creamy risoni in a romantic Italian-inspired pasta dish. Rich parmesan, herbs, and tender chicken create an irresistible comfort meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) minced (ground) chicken
• 1 egg
• 2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) thickened (heavy) cream
• 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan (for serving)

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 cups (90 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 brown onion, diced
• 135 g (5 oz) semi-dried (sun-blushed) tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (concentrated puree)
• 1 cup (200 g) risoni (orzo)
• 1/2 teaspoon chilli (red pepper) flakes, plus extra to serve (optional)
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) water
• 2 cups (100 g) fresh baby spinach
• Olive oil spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend ground chicken with breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, whisked egg, grated parmesan, milk, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper until ingredients are just integrated, taking care not to overmix.
2. Gently form the mixture into uniform, bite-sized spheres, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
3. Warm a large skillet over medium heat, lightly coating the surface with olive oil. Carefully place meatballs in the pan, rotating to achieve a rich golden sear on all surfaces. The goal is a beautiful caramelized exterior without fully cooking the interior.
4. Transfer partially cooked meatballs to a separate plate, reserving the flavorful pan drippings.
5. In the same skillet, introduce additional olive oil and sauté diced onions until translucent and fragrant. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, a splash of red wine vinegar, and tomato paste, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify.
6. Pour in chicken stock, risoni, oregano, chili flakes, and black pepper. Stir to distribute ingredients evenly and prevent sticking.
7. Reintroduce the golden-crusted meatballs to the pan, nestling them into the emerging sauce. Reduce heat, cover, and allow the mixture to simmer gently, periodically stirring to ensure uniform cooking.
8. After 15-20 minutes, when the risoni reaches an al dente texture and meatballs are thoroughly cooked, introduce cream, baby spinach, and additional parmesan.
9. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the sauce to develop a luxurious, creamy consistency.
10. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of extra chili flakes and a generous dusting of parmesan, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed presentation.

Notes

• Prevent dense meatballs by mixing ingredients gently and avoiding overmixing, which can make chicken meat tough and rubbery.
• Ensure even cooking by rolling meatballs uniform in size, approximately 1-1.5 inches in diameter for consistent texture and doneness.
• Use fresh ingredients like recently grated parmesan and freshly minced garlic to enhance overall flavor complexity and depth.
• Substitute dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs, maintaining similar creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg