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Marry Me Meatballs over Orzo

Marry Me Meatballs over Orzo: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 50minutes
  • Yield: 4servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

At its core, Marry Me Meatballs over Orzo is a modern twist on classic Italian-American comfort food. It takes the flavor profile of the viral “Marry Me Chicken”—a dish supposedly so good it could elicit a marriage proposal—and applies it to a more textural and filling format. Instead of large pieces of poultry, we use bite-sized, pan-seared meatballs.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey)

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan

  • 1 egg

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Sauce & Orzo

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)

  • 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

  • 1 cup orzo

  • 2½ cups chicken broth

  • ¾ cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

  1. Mix all meatball ingredients (except olive oil) until just combined.

  2. Roll into 1½-inch balls.

  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  4. Brown meatballs on all sides (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

2. Build the Sauce & Orzo

  1. In the same skillet, add butter and olive oil.

  2. Sauté garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and chili flakes for 1 minute.

  3. Stir in orzo, coating it in the oil.

  4. Add chicken broth and Italian seasoning; bring to a simmer.

3. Finish the Dish

  1. Nestle meatballs back into the skillet.

  2. Cover and simmer 10–12 minutes, until orzo is tender.

  3. Stir in cream and Parmesan.

  4. Simmer uncovered 3–5 minutes until thick and creamy.

  5. Season with salt & pepper.

Notes

For a comforting and flavorful meal, serve these tender meatballs over creamy orzo with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. You can add grated Parmesan, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra depth. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread to complete the dish.

  • Prep Time: 20minutes
  • Cook Time: 30minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Simmer
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1plate
  • Calories: 450

Keywords: Creamy Meatballs and Orzo, Sun-dried Tomato Meatball Pasta, Tuscan Meatballs with Orzo, One Pan Marry Me Meatballs

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Find it online: https://recipesmaria.com/marry-me-meatballs-over-orzo-the-ultimate-comfort-food-recipe/