Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo
The weeknight dinner that feels like a dinner party!
Y'all I have to tell you about what came out of my kitchen last night, because I'm still thinking about it this morning…it was that good!
I made these Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo, and it was one of those meals where you take the first bite and just stop talking. The meatballs are golden and juicy with a beautiful crust on the outside, and the orzo is rich, silky and lemony and we enjoyed it so much!.
I know the ingredient list looks a little long, but don't let that scare you. This is genuinely a one-pan situation (well, two if you count the mixing bowl) and it comes together in about 35 minutes. It's the kind of dish that looks and tastes like you spent all day on it, which, as someone who has actual things to do is exactly the kind of cooking I love.
Let's Talk Wine
For this recipe, I'd reach for a Pinot Grigio or a dry Sauvignon Blanc…something crisp and bright with a little citrus to echo the lemon in both the meatballs and the orzo. An Italian Pinot Grigio would be lovely here, or if you want to go a little richer and rounder, a white Burgundy (Chardonnay) would play beautifully against the creamy parmesan sauce.
If you're a red wine person, don't count yourself out…a light, fruit-forward Pinot Noir works surprisingly well with chicken and cream. Just keep it light and don't overthink it. Pour what you love.
A Few Notes from My Kitchen
I used a cast iron skillet to get a beautiful sear on the meatballs. Turn the heat up to medium high to brown on all sides and then turn it down to let the meatballs cook through.
The lemon in this recipe keeps the dish light and adds a burst of flavor so don't skip it.
The leftovers will reheat beautifully…just add a small splash of broth or cream to loosen the orzo back up. This recipe would also be stunning for a casual dinner party…you could even serve it right from the skillet!
This recipe is going on permanent rotation. It's comfort food that’s easy enough for a weeknight and good enough to serve to company. I suggest you pour yourself a beautiful glass of wine, and enjoy every bite!
Thanks so much for reading…let me know you if you make this!
Happy Sunday
~XOXO Suzanne