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Marry Me Chicken Meatballs with Risoni

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Marry Me Chicken Meatballs with Risoni is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken meatballs simmered in a rich sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce and tossed with delicate risoni pasta.

Ingredients

  • For the meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • For the sauce and risoni:
  • 1 cup risoni (orzo) pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried chili flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides and cook through, about 8–10 minutes (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove and set aside.
  4. Cook risoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook briefly.
  7. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Stir in Parmesan cheese and chili flakes if using. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
  9. Return cooked meatballs to the skillet and spoon sauce over them. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
  10. Add cooked risoni and toss gently to coat in the sauce.
  11. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
  • Drain oil from jarred sun-dried tomatoes before using.
  • Add fresh spinach to the sauce for extra color and nutrients.
  • Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
  • Freeze meatballs and sauce separately for best texture.
  • Substitute turkey for chicken if preferred.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/marry-me-chicken-meatballs-with-risoni/