Chicken Meatballs with Peppers and Orzo

Chicken Meatballs with Peppers and Orzo is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together juicy homemade chicken meatballs, sautéed sweet peppers, and creamy orzo pasta. It’s a flavorful, wholesome meal that works great for family dinners, meal prep, or when you want something both nourishing and satisfying without being too heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A balanced one-pan-style meal that includes protein, veggies, and carbs
• Juicy and tender meatballs made from scratch
• Sweet and savory flavor from sautéed peppers and tomato-based sauce
• Creamy orzo that brings comfort food vibes
• Easy enough for a weeknight, special enough for guests

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken meatballs:
ground chicken
panko breadcrumbs
grated Parmesan
egg
garlic powder
onion powder
kosher salt
black pepper

For the pepper sauce:
olive oil
garlic cloves, minced
bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
tomato sauce
capers (optional)
kosher salt
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the orzo:
orzo pasta
mascarpone or cream cheese
grated Parmesan
fresh parsley, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Make the meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
2. Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté peppers: In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the sliced bell peppers and garlic until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Make the sauce: Add tomato sauce, capers (if using), salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir and let simmer for 5–10 minutes.
5. Cook the orzo: Boil the orzo according to package instructions. Drain and stir in mascarpone or cream cheese, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy.
6. Combine and serve: Return the meatballs to the pan with the sauce and gently stir to coat. Serve over a bed of creamy orzo and garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Swap orzo for rice, quinoa, or couscous
• Use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken
• Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra veggies
• Spice it up with harissa or smoked paprika
• Use feta instead of Parmesan for a Mediterranean twist

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute with pre-cooked or frozen meatballs to save time.

What can I use instead of mascarpone?

Cream cheese, ricotta, goat cheese, or even a splash of heavy cream can be used.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free pasta like rice-based orzo.

How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?

They should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, freeze the meatballs and sauce separately from the orzo. Thaw and reheat before serving.

What type of peppers should I use?

Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers work best due to their natural sweetness.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like heat.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prep and store them in the fridge for 1–2 days or freeze them for later use.

What herbs go well with this dish?

Parsley, basil, oregano, and thyme all pair nicely with the flavors in this recipe.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, small shapes like ditalini, pearl couscous, or even rice will work well as a base.

Conclusion

Chicken Meatballs with Peppers and Orzo is the kind of meal that hits all the right notes—comforting, flavorful, and easy to put together. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking to impress guests, this recipe delivers a beautiful combination of savory meatballs, vibrant veggies, and creamy orzo that will have everyone going back for seconds.

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