Description
These Baked Sage Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Orzo offer a comforting and flavorful meal that’s both hearty and creamy. The tender chicken meatballs are infused with aromatic sage and baked to perfection, pairing beautifully with orzo pasta cooked in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ideal for a family dinner or a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried sage)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Parmesan Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for the meatballs.
- Make Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped sage, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls, placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Cook Orzo: While the meatballs bake, bring the chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy Parmesan orzo onto plates, top with freshly baked sage chicken meatballs, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute dried sage for fresh sage but reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon as it is more concentrated.
- Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be fully cooked and safe to eat.
- For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but this will slightly reduce creaminess.
- Breadcrumbs can be gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of color and fresh flavor but is optional.
