Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Make chicken meatballs, brown them. Cook orzo in creamy sauce with three cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes. Combine and let thicken. Ready in 50 minutes.
Clare Greco
Updated on Sat, 22 Feb 2025 13:35:03 GMT
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Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo | recipesbyclare.com

One chilly evening, while craving something comforting yet special, I created this indulgent orzo dish that earned its playful "Marry Me" name after my partner proposed seconds after tasting it. The combination of tender chicken meatballs nestled in creamy, cheesy orzo creates a dish that's both elegant and comforting, perfect for those nights when you want to make dinner feel like an occasion.

My sister-in-law watched me make this once and now it's become her go-to date night dinner. She swears it's better than any restaurant pasta she's had.

Essential Ingredients Guide:

  • Ground chicken should be fresh and not too lean - some fat keeps the meatballs juicy
  • Sun-dried tomatoes need proper soaking - dry ones won't release their full flavor
  • Orzo pasta quality matters - look for a brand that holds its shape when cooked
  • Fresh parsley brightens the entire dish - don't skip this ingredient
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Creating Your Masterpiece:

Meatball Magic
Handle your meat mixture gently - overworking makes tough meatballs. Think of it like making clouds rather than squeezing stress balls.
Base Building
Let those onions take their time getting golden - they're the foundation of your flavor palace.
Sauce Symphony
Add your liquids gradually, stirring constantly to create a smooth, velvety base.
Orzo Integration
Stir that pasta lovingly, making sure each piece gets coated in the developing sauce.
Final Marriage
When combining meatballs and sauce, fold them in like you're tucking precious jewels into silk.

Last weekend, I taught my niece how to make this dish, and watching her face light up as the sauce came together was priceless. She kept saying, 'I can't believe I made something this fancy!'

Pasta Paradise

Every time I make this dish, the kitchen fills with an aroma that draws everyone in like magnets. The magic happens in those final minutes when the three cheeses melt into the sauce, creating this incredibly silky texture that coats each piece of orzo perfectly. Through countless batches, I've learned that patience is key - rushing any step means missing out on those layers of flavor that make this dish so special.

Perfect Companions

Serve this creamy dream with garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of sauce. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. For date nights, I'll open a bottle of crisp white wine and dim the lights - instant restaurant vibes at home.

Make It Your Own

Transform this dish by swapping turkey for chicken in the meatballs, or try adding spinach to the sauce for extra color and nutrition. Sometimes I'll toss in some roasted mushrooms or change up the cheese blend based on what's in my fridge. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Keep The Love Alive

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to bring back that silky sauce texture. The meatballs actually get even more flavorful after a day or two.

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Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo Recipe | recipesbyclare.com

Chef's Love Notes:

  • Roll your meatballs between damp hands to prevent sticking
  • Save some pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold if your sauce needs thinning
  • Let the dish rest uncovered to achieve the perfect sauce consistency

This recipe has become more than just dinner in our house - it's our celebration dish, our comfort food, our "welcome home" meal. There's something magical about watching someone take their first bite and seeing their eyes close in pure enjoyment. That's when you know you've created something special.

The real beauty of this dish isn't just in its rich, creamy sauce or perfectly seasoned meatballs - it's in the way it brings people together. Whether I'm making it for a quiet date night or a family gathering, this meal has a way of slowing everyone down, encouraging conversation and connection over every delicious bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is it called 'Marry Me' Chicken?
The name comes from the dish being so delicious it might inspire a marriage proposal!
→ Can I make the meatballs ahead?
Yes, prepare and cook meatballs up to a day ahead, then reheat in the sauce.
→ Can I use different pasta?
Yes, though cooking times may vary. Small pasta shapes work best.
→ Can I substitute the cheeses?
Use any melting cheeses you prefer, keeping the total amount the same.
→ How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?
Stir occasionally while cooking and ensure enough liquid in the pan.

Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo

Tender chicken meatballs and orzo pasta in a rich, creamy sauce with three cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes - an impressive yet easy dinner!

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Meatballs

01 1 pound ground chicken
02 1 large egg, beaten
03 ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (25g)
04 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
05 1 teaspoon kosher salt
06 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
07 3 tablespoons whole milk
08 ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs (27g)
09 1 teaspoon minced garlic
10 2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow onion
11 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, for frying

→ Pasta

12 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
13 1 small yellow onion, diced
14 1 teaspoon minced garlic
15 2½ cups chicken broth (600g)
16 ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, softened
17 ½ package (4 oz) cream cheese
18 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
19 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
20 1 cup orzo pasta (112g)
21 1½ cups heavy whipping cream (357g)
22 ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (50g)
23 ½ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese (57g)
24 ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (57g)

→ Garnish

25 Chopped parsley
26 Additional sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

Step 01

Combine ground chicken, egg, cheese, herbs, and seasonings. Form into 16 meatballs using greased hands.

Step 02

Brown meatballs in olive oil until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside covered.

Step 03

In same skillet, melt butter and cook onions and garlic. Add broth, scraping up browned bits.

Step 04

Add tomatoes, cream cheese, seasonings. Cook until cream cheese melts. Add orzo and cream, bring to simmer.

Step 05

Cover and simmer 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cheeses in last 5 minutes.

Step 06

Return meatballs to skillet, warm through. Rest 5 minutes to thicken. Garnish with parsley and tomatoes.

Notes

  1. Can work in batches to cook meatballs
  2. Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking
  3. Let rest to thicken sauce

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 1-tablespoon scoop

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat (gluten)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 970
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~