Description
A comforting and flavorful dish of tender chicken meatballs simmered in a rich tomato and sweet pepper sauce, served over creamy orzo. Perfect for cozy weeknights and easy entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs:
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1 lb ground turkey or chicken
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1 egg
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp kosher salt
For the Sauce:
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1–2 cups sliced sweet or bell peppers
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¼ cup capers (optional)
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14 oz canned plain tomato sauce
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1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
For the Creamy Orzo:
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8 oz uncooked orzo pasta
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¼ cup mascarpone, cream cheese, goat cheese, cream, or butter
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Salt, to taste
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Chopped parsley
Instructions
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In a bowl, mix ground turkey or chicken, egg, panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Form into small meatballs.
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Brown meatballs in a skillet with olive oil, or bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes. Set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté garlic and peppers for 5–10 minutes. Scrape browned bits for extra flavor.
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Return meatballs to the skillet. Stir in tomato sauce and optional capers. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add water if the sauce thickens too much.
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Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain, mix with creamy ingredient, season with salt, Parmesan, and parsley.
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Serve meatballs and sauce over creamy orzo. Garnish with more Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs.
Deglazing the pan enhances the sauce’s flavor.
Add reserved pasta water to orzo for extra creaminess.
Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet, Boiling, Baking (optional)
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired