Name: One Pan Ultimate Parmesan Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground Chicken (substitution: can use ground turkey or beef); 1 large Egg (Acts as a binding agent); 1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs (Adds crunch and lightness); 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Enhances flavor); 2 cloves Garlic (minced) (Adds a robust kick); 1 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary (finely chopped) (Infuses aromatic flavor); 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Brings flavors to life); 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Contributes subtle heat); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Used for cooking); 1 cup Uncooked Orzo (Absorbs sauce beautifully); 1 medium Shallot (roughly chopped) (Adds mild onion flavor); 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (Provides concentrated flavor); 2 cups Chicken Broth (Keeps orzo moist); 1 cup Half and Half (Provides creaminess); 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley or Rosemary (For color and freshness); 1/4 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional but recommended)

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Imagine the comforting aroma of rosemary and garlic wafting through your kitchen as you prepare a meal that promises to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. This One-Pan Ultimate Parmesan Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Orzo Recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With juicy chicken meatballs simmering in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, this dish invites both flavor and simplicity to the table.

As I stood over the stove, swirling the orzo and meatballs, I couldn’t help but think about how versatile this recipe is. You can easily switch out the ground chicken for turkey or beef, toss in your favorite veggies, or spice things up with an extra kick. It’s more than just dinner—it’s a delightful experience that allows you to connect with the ingredients and unlock your culinary creativity. Get ready to indulge in a comforting meal that feels fancy but is unbelievably easy to make!

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Recipe

Simplicity: This One Pan Ultimate Parmesan Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Orzo comes together effortlessly, perfect for busy weeknights.

Flavor-packed: Each bite of juicy meatballs and creamy orzo will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

Customizable: Swap chicken for turkey or beef, and brighten the dish by adding veggies like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.

Time-saving: One pan means less cleanup while enjoying a hearty meal that feels gourmet!

Crowd-pleaser: It’s a delightful dish that the whole family will love, making it ideal for cozy gatherings or satisfying solo dinners.

For even more delicious meal ideas, check out my One Pot Garlic pasta!

One Pan Ultimate Parmesan Chicken Meatballs Ingredients

• Let’s gather everything you need for this creamy delight!

For the Meatballs

Ground Chicken – Provides juicy and tender meatballs; substitution: can use ground turkey or beef.
Egg – Acts as a binding agent for the meatballs.
Panko Bread Crumbs – Adds crunch and lightness to each bite.
Grated Parmesan Cheese – Enhances flavor with a savory touch.
Garlic (minced) – Adds a robust kick that elevates the dish.
Fresh Rosemary (finely chopped) – Infuses a delightful aromatic flavor into the meatballs.
Kosher Salt – Brings all the flavors to life.
Black Pepper – Contributes subtle heat for depth.

For the Creamy Tomato Orzo

Olive Oil – Used for cooking the meatballs and enriching the sauce.
Uncooked Orzo – Absorbs the creamy tomato sauce beautifully.
Shallot (roughly chopped) – Adds a mild onion flavor without overpowering other ingredients.
Tomato Paste – Provides a concentrated and sweet tomato flavor.
Chicken Broth – Keeps the orzo moist, serving as the perfect cooking liquid.
Half and Half – Provides a rich creaminess to the dish, making it indulgent.

For Garnishing

Fresh Parsley or Rosemary – Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – Because who doesn’t love more cheese with their meal?

Get ready to create a comforting, One Pan Ultimate Parmesan Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Orzo, perfect for your next family dinner!

How to Make One Pan Parmesan Chicken Meatballs

Mix Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the egg, panko, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix in the ground chicken until fully incorporated for a flavorful meatball base.
Shape Meatballs: With oiled hands, scoop the mixture and form it into golf ball-sized meatballs, aiming for about 2 tablespoons each. Place them on a plate ready for cooking.
Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for 3-4 minutes, gently flipping them until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Shallots: In the same skillet, add the chopped shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste, followed by the uncooked orzo, ensuring everything is well-combined and coated with the delicious tomato flavor.
Simmer: Carefully pour in the chicken broth, adding a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat. Let it simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Make it Creamy: Stir in the half and half, return the meatballs to the skillet, and cover once more. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing both the meatballs and orzo to heat through and the sauce to create a creamy consistency.

Optional: For added freshness, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with One Pan Parmesan Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Orzo?

A cozy dinner calls for delightful sides that elevate your dish to new heights.

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, this warm, buttery classic adds irresistible flavor and crunch.
Mixed Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the orzo, adding a refreshing bite.
Roasted Asparagus: Tender, roasted asparagus offers a lovely contrast in texture with a slightly nutty flavor that complements the meatballs.
Creamy Coleslaw: The tanginess of coleslaw brings a delightful crunch, enhancing the meal while also providing a refreshing palette cleanser.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized edges of roasted Brussels sprouts bring both flavor and depth, making them a perfect partner for this hearty dish.
Sangiovese Wine: A light, fruity red like Sangiovese enhances the meal with its acidity and complexity, elevating your dining experience.
Chocolate Mousse: End on a sweet note with a rich, velvety chocolate mousse that perfectly contrasts the savory flavors of the meal in an indulgent way.

Make Ahead Options

These One Pan Parmesan Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Orzo are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the meatball mixture and even form the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the ingredients, shape the meatballs, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy tomato orzo can be prepped ahead as well; just sauté the shallots and combine the ingredients before refrigerating for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply bring the orzo mixture back to a simmer, add the meatballs, and finish cooking with half and half for a meal that’s just as delicious with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for One Pan Parmesan Chicken Meatballs

Mix Thoroughly: Ensure you mix the meatball ingredients well for optimal flavor and texture. This helps bind the meatballs together, avoiding crumbling.
Sear for Flavor: Searing the meatballs creates a golden crust, sealing in juices and enhancing overall taste. Don’t skip this step for your One Pan Ultimate Parmesan Chicken Meatballs!
Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for a few minutes once cooked. This resting time allows flavors to meld together, making each bite even more delicious.
Customize Wisely: Feel free to add spices or veggies like spinach or zucchini. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly for any added ingredients to ensure even cooking.
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep the creamy sauce luscious.

One Pan Variations & Substitutions

Unleash your culinary creativity by customizing this recipe to fit your cravings and dietary needs!

Turkey Swap: Use ground turkey for a leaner alternative while still enjoying juicy meatballs.
Beef Option: Swap ground chicken for beef for a heartier, richer flavor that meat lovers will adore.
Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for a colorful and nutritious lift. Fresh vegetables brighten the dish and add a satisfying crunch.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bold, spicy twist that awakens your palate.
Creamy Vegan Version: Substitute ground chicken with plant-based meat and swap half and half with a vegan cream for a delicious dairy-free option.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of panko to accommodate gluten sensitivity without compromising flavor.
Herb Variety: Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano in the meatballs for an aromatic flair that transforms the taste.
Lemon Zest: Add fresh lemon zest in the orzo to brighten the dish and enhance the flavors with a citrusy punch.

How to Store and Freeze One Pan Ultimate Parmesan Chicken Meatballs

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This ensures the One Pan Ultimate Parmesan Chicken Meatballs stay fresh and flavorful.
Freezer: For longer storage, place cooled meatballs and orzo in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth. This keeps the creamy tomato sauce smooth and prevents drying out.
Defrosting: If frozen, transfer to the fridge overnight to thaw. Then, follow reheating instructions for the best results.

One Pan Ultimate Parmesan Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Orzo Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ground chicken for meatballs?
Absolutely! When selecting ground chicken, look for meat that appears pink and moist, avoiding any that has dark spots or is excessively dry. Freshly ground chicken should ideally be used, but if you’re buying pre-packaged, check the expiration date. If you’re feeling adventurous, ground turkey or beef are excellent substitutes that complement the flavors beautifully.

How should I store leftovers from this recipe?
Very simple! Store any leftover One Pan Ultimate Parmesan Chicken Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup, which can cause sogginess. Gently reheat them in a skillet with a splash of broth to maintain that creamy texture.

Can I freeze the meatballs and orzo dish?
Absolutely! To freeze, first let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer the meatballs and orzo into a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s tightly sealed. They can be stored for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in a skillet with a little chicken broth to bring back that creaminess.

What should I do if my meatballs fall apart while cooking?
If you encounter crumbly meatballs, don’t worry! This usually happens if the mixture is too dry. Make sure you are mixing thoroughly enough for proper binding, and consider adding an extra tablespoon of panko or a touch more egg to help hold everything together. Searing the meatballs quickly can also help lock in moisture. If they still fall apart, reduce the temperature slightly and cook them more gently.

Is this recipe suitable for people with food allergies?
Yes, it can be customized! To make this One Pan Ultimate Parmesan Chicken Meatballs recipe allergy-friendly, consider substituting allergens as needed. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko bread crumbs and ensure that your chicken broth is also gluten-free. If you need to omit dairy, opt for non-dairy milk in place of half and half, and look for plant-based cheeses for added flavor. Always check ingredients to accommodate individual dietary needs.