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Rosemary Chicken Meatballs Tomato Orzo

Rosemary Chicken Meatballs Tomato Orzo: A Cozy Family Favorite

A delightful Rosemary Chicken Meatballs Tomato Orzo recipe that brings cozy Mediterranean flavors to your family table.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Chicken or turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs panko adds a light texture
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan option
  • 1 large Egg lightly beaten
  • 3 cloves Garlic freshly minced
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary or 1 tsp dried
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin recommended
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes adjust to taste
For the Sauce and Orzo
  • 1 medium Onion finely chopped
  • 1 can Crushed Tomatoes
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta or substitute with small pasta
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth can substitute vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese optional

Equipment

  • oven
  • skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm a tablespoon of olive oil, then sauté finely chopped onion until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
  3. Incorporate the orzo pasta and chicken broth into the tomato sauce, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender.
  4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). To bake, place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Alternatively, pan-fry the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally for even browning.
  5. Once the meatballs are cooked and the orzo has absorbed the sauce, transfer the meatballs into the skillet with the tomato orzo. Let them simmer together for a couple of minutes to marry the flavors. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Chilling the meatballs is essential for maintaining their shape during cooking and enhancing texture. Consider doubling the recipe and freezing half for quick future meals.

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