Tuscan Chicken Meatball Orzo

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Comfort food takes a Mediterranean turn in this savory, soul-warming dish of Tuscan Chicken Meatball Orzo. Juicy, herb-laced chicken meatballs nestle into creamy tomato-stewed orzo, all kissed with garlic, basil, and just enough Parmesan to make each bite feel like a cozy Italian hug.

This one-skillet wonder is weeknight-friendly yet fancy enough to serve at a dinner party. The textures balance beautifully: tender meatballs, perfectly al dente orzo, and wilted greens that round it all out with a pop of color and nutrition. And yes, it reheats like a dream.

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What Kind of Orzo Works Best?

Go for traditional orzo—the small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up flavor like a sponge. Whole wheat orzo adds a nuttier depth, while gluten-free versions work just as well if you’re adapting the recipe. The key is cooking it right in the same skillet so it absorbs all those juices from the meatballs and tomato broth.

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Ingredients for the Tuscan Chicken Meatball Orzo

Ground Chicken
Lean but flavorful, it makes for moist and tender meatballs that soak in Tuscan herbs beautifully.

Panko Breadcrumbs
Helps bind the meatballs while keeping them light instead of dense.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds that salty, umami richness in both the meatballs and sprinkled on top.

Egg
Essential for binding the meatballs together.

Garlic & Onion
The aromatic base that builds flavor in both the meatballs and the tomato sauce.

Italian Seasoning + Fresh Basil
Bring in the warm, earthy notes of Tuscany.

Crushed Tomatoes
A vibrant, acidic tomato base that simmers down into a velvety sauce.

Chicken Broth
Enhances the depth of the sauce while cooking the orzo evenly.

Fresh Spinach or Kale
Stirred in at the end for color, texture, and nutrients.

Olive Oil
Used for searing the meatballs and sautéing the aromatics.

Salt & Pepper
Simple seasonings that highlight the dish’s natural flavors.

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How To Make the Tuscan Chicken Meatball Orzo

Step 1: Mix and Form the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined. Roll into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 2: Sear the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until golden. They don’t need to cook through fully at this stage. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and chopped onion until soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in fresh basil and a bit of Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Add Orzo and Simmer

Stir in the orzo, then nestle the meatballs back into the skillet. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and meatballs are cooked through.

Step 6: Stir in Greens and Finish

Fold in spinach or kale just until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, sprinkled with extra Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves.

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Serving and Storing Tuscan Chicken Meatball Orzo

Serve this dish straight from the skillet for a rustic family-style meal. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a green salad, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze. For storing, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats nicely on the stove or microwave. If the orzo thickens too much, just stir in a splash of broth or water when reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and brings a slightly richer flavor profile. Just be sure it’s not too lean, or you may need a little extra olive oil for moisture.

What can I use instead of orzo?

Pearl couscous or small pasta like ditalini can be a good substitute, though cooking times may vary. Rice could also work but would require longer simmering.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The flavor will still be rich thanks to the garlic, herbs, and tomatoes.

Do the meatballs freeze well?

They sure do. Freeze the uncooked meatballs on a tray until solid, then store them in a zip-top bag. Cook from frozen by adding a few minutes to the sear time.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely. The meatballs are mild and flavorful, and the orzo has a creamy texture kids tend to love. You can even sneak in extra veggies like finely grated carrots or zucchini.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the meatballs and even cook the sauce in advance. Reheat everything together and cook the orzo fresh to keep the texture ideal.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with Comfort and Flavor?

If this Tuscan Chicken Meatball Orzo won you over, you’ll likely fall for these delicious dishes too:

• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken: Golden and cheesy with a restaurant-worthy flavor.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Creamy, cheesy, and family-approved.
• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells: A perfect vegetarian companion with gooey cheese and rich tomato sauce.
• One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese: Comfort food meets classic Italian.
• One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta: A sweet and smoky kick in every bite.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use spinach or go bold with kale? Did your kids love it as much as you did?

I love seeing how these meals make their way to your table. Questions welcome—let’s cook better together.

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