Description
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal with these Chicken Meatballs with Risoni in Creamy Tomato Sauce. Tender chicken meatballs are simmered in a rich and creamy tomato sauce, served with orzo pasta, and garnished with Parmesan cheese. A satisfying one-pan dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Scale
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
For the sauce and risoni:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup risoni (orzo)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs: Cook meatballs in olive oil until browned. Set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onion. Add tomatoes, broth, cream, sugar, salt, pepper, and basil. Simmer.
- Cook the risoni: Add uncooked risoni to the sauce. Return meatballs, cover, and simmer until risoni is tender.
- Finish and serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese. Garnish with parsley or basil.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey instead of chicken.
- Add spinach or chopped zucchini for extra vegetables.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and omit the cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
