Tuscan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo: 1 Easy Wonder

Name: Tuscan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; ½ cup dry breadcrumbs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup milk; 1 egg; ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons oil (for searing); ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes; 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1½ cups dry orzo pasta; ⅔ cup cream (18–35% fat recommended); ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy but don’t have the energy for a sink full of dishes, Tuscan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo might just be your new best friend. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and made in one pan (yes, one!).

And if your evenings look anything like mine—homework on the counter, emails still unanswered, and someone asking what’s for dinner at 5:12 p.m.—this recipe is a lifesaver. It feels a little fancy, but it’s secretly simple. My favorite kind of magic.

This dish brings together tender homemade chicken meatballs, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and spinach, all nestled into creamy orzo pasta. It’s hearty without being heavy, comforting without putting you into a food coma. Basically, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table go quiet… because they’re too busy eating.

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo

Let’s be honest—weeknight dinners need to check a few boxes:

Easy to make
Family-approved
Minimal cleanup
Packed with flavor

Tuscan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo hits every single one.

It’s:

A true one pan meal
Full of bold Italian-inspired flavors
Creamy and satisfying
Perfect for meal prep
Flexible with ingredients you already have

And that creamy Tuscan orzo? It thickens up beautifully as it cooks. If it looks a little liquidy at first, don’t panic. That’s just comfort food doing its thing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this dish so special:

For the Chicken Meatballs

1 pound ground chicken
Dry breadcrumbs
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Milk
1 egg
Fresh parsley (optional but lovely)
Italian seasoning
Salt & black pepper
Garlic
Onion powder
Oil for searing

For the Creamy Tuscan Orzo

Sun-dried tomatoes
Tomato paste
Garlic
Dried oregano
Red chili flakes (just a pinch for warmth)
Low-sodium chicken broth
Dry orzo pasta
Cream (18%–35% fat works best)
Shredded Parmesan
Fresh spinach

Simple ingredients. Big flavor. That’s always my goal here at SlowCookersRecipes.com—maximum comfort without complicated steps.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Tuscan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo

Step 1: Mix the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine:

Ground chicken
Breadcrumbs
Parmesan
Milk
Egg
Parsley
Italian seasoning
Salt, garlic, onion powder, and pepper

Mix until combined—but don’t overdo it. Overmixing can make meatballs tough. Think gentle folding, not aggressive stirring.

Let the mixture rest for 10–20 minutes. This gives the breadcrumbs time to soak up moisture, which keeps your chicken meatballs tender and juicy.

Step 2: Roll and Sear

Roll into 1 to 1¼-inch balls.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs on all sides until golden brown. They don’t need to cook all the way through yet—just develop that beautiful crust.

Remove them to a plate and loosely cover with foil.

(Pro tip: If your meatballs aren’t perfectly round, that’s okay. Rustic is charming.)

Step 3: Build the Creamy Tuscan Orzo

In the same skillet (hello flavor!), add:

Sun-dried tomatoes
Tomato paste
Garlic
Oregano
Red chili flakes
Salt and pepper

Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell like an Italian café.

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up those browned bits from the bottom. That’s pure flavor gold.

Bring to a low boil.

Step 4: Add Orzo and Finish Cooking

Stir in:

Orzo pasta
Cream
Parmesan

Mix well.

Place the meatballs back into the skillet, nestling them into the orzo. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, until the orzo is al dente and the meatballs are fully cooked.

It may look loose at first—but give it a minute. The orzo absorbs liquid quickly and thickens into a rich, creamy sauce.

Step 5: Stir in Spinach

Add chopped fresh spinach and stir until wilted.

Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm and maybe sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top—because more cheese never hurt anyone.

Tuscan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo served in a bowl with creamy orzo, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and golden seared chicken meatballs — This Tuscan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo is a creamy one-pan dinner with golden chicken meatballs, tender orzo, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Tips for Perfect Tuscan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo

Don’t use low-fat cream. It can curdle during cooking. Stick with 18% or higher for that silky texture.
If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of warm broth to loosen it up.
Want more pasta? Increase orzo to 2 cups and broth to 3¼ cups to stretch it further.
You can bake the meatballs at 400°F for about 12 minutes (until they hit 165°F internally) if you prefer.

One time, I made this on a week that felt like one long to-do list. I was tired, behind on everything, and tempted to order takeout. But this came together so quickly—and the leftovers saved lunch the next day. Total win.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

Life happens. Here’s how to adapt:

Meatballs: Use pre-cooked frozen meatballs to save time.
Orzo: Any small pasta works—just match the cook time.
Spinach: Kale works too, just chop it small and cook a bit longer.
Spice level: Skip the red chili flakes for picky eaters.

This recipe bends without breaking. We love that.

Storing Leftovers

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Let it cool first before storing.

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture.

Freezing

The best make-ahead trick? Freeze the meatballs.

Lay them on parchment paper, flash freeze, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Future-you will be so grateful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Tuscan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the meatballs and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before cooking. Or freeze them for later. The full dish is best fresh but reheats beautifully.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

I don’t recommend it. Because the orzo simmers for a while, milk can separate. Stick with 18% or higher cream for best results.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open—it should no longer be pink inside.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a small gluten-free pasta with a similar cook time.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)

Calories: 671
Protein: 43g
Carbohydrates: 64g
Fat: 27g
Fiber: 4g

It’s hearty, filling, and packed with protein—perfect after a long day when you need something satisfying.

A Cozy Dinner You’ll Make Again and Again

There’s something about Tuscan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo that just feels like home. It’s creamy without being too rich, flavorful without being complicated, and impressive without demanding hours of effort.

And that’s really what we’re all after, right? Meals that make our families happy—but still leave us time to actually sit down and enjoy them.

So the next time your evening feels chaotic and you need dinner to practically cook itself, pull out that skillet and make this Tuscan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo. I promise—it’s comfort in a pan.

More Cozy Dinners to Try Next

If this Tuscan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo made your evening feel a little easier (and a lot more delicious), I’ve got a few more comforting favorites you’ll definitely want on your radar:

Bright, lemony, and packed with Mediterranean flavor, this Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is perfect when you’re craving something fresh but still cozy.
Love that creamy Tuscan vibe? This hands-off Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo gives you the same rich comfort with even less effort.
For a lighter but still hearty option, this Rustic Tuscan Bean Soup with Fresh Herbs is beautiful with warm bread and a simple salad.
If creamy chicken and spinach is your love language, you can’t go wrong with this Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta — it’s always a hit at the dinner table.
And if you’re curious to see another take on this dish, take a peek at this version of Tuscan Chicken Meatballs and Orzo for even more inspiration.

Save a couple of these for your next busy week — future you will be very thankful.