Hearty entrees like one pot pasta dishes are the ultimate time and energy savers!
This dish has meatballs cooked with orzo in a savory tomato sauce and topped with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs!
Double this cheesy recipe up for big appetites or to freeze some for future meals.
Easy One Pot Pasta
- This tasty dish goes from the stovetop to the tabletop in minutes! Add a simple salad and a loaf of garlic bread and dinner is served!
- Make it and enjoy it all week long as the flavors continue to blend!
- One pot pasta meals are perfect for quick prep, and even quicker clean up!
Ingredients and Variations
Meatballs: Make your own juicy homemade meatballs using a combination of chicken, turkey, sausage, or beef. Or if you are short on time, grab a bag of frozen cooked meatballs and add them to Step 3 of the recipe below.
Sauce: This homemade pasta sauce has all the basics: fresh tomatoes, garlic, butter, wine, broth, and cream. Use your favorite jar of marinara if you like, or use leftover roasted cherry tomatoes.
What Is Orzo: Orzo may look like rice, but it’s actually a pasta made from semolina flour. Other sturdy pastas to choose from are penne, rotini, even long pastas like bucatini. Choose sturdy pastas the sauce can cling to and that hold up well with the creamy sauce.
Seasonings: Buy it or make homemade Italian seasoning to use in everything from dressings to dips! Or make a one-dish Cajun meal by omitting the meatballs for shrimp and using Cajun seasoning instead of Italian! Garnish with lemon slices for a completely new recipe!
Variations: This is a great dish for using up leftover cheese and veggies! Spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, peppers, and zucchini will all add extra nutrition and flavor to chicken meatballs with tomato orzo!
How to Make Tomato Orzo With Meatballs
- Heat meatballs in oil, reduce heat, and add tomatoes, butter, and garlic.
- Add orzo and then wine and broth, stirring until the orzo is al dente.
- Add cream and parmesan.
Garnish with extra cheese and fresh herbs before serving.
Storing Leftovers
- Keep this leftover one pot pasta dinner in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freeze portions in zippered bags for up to 1 month.
- Leftovers can also be added to create a hearty vegetable soup.
Other One Pot Pasta Recipes!
Have you tried this one pot pasta recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
One Pot Tomato Orzo With Meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken meatballs use your favorite meatballs, or sliced sausage
- 1 pint grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 ½-2 cups chicken broth or broth of your choice, or water
- ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk, OPTIONAL
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese plus more for garnish, if desired
- ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs parsley, thyme, oregano, for garnish if desired
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and heat until shimmering. Add meatballs and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add tomatoes, butter, and garlic then cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently a couple of times, until garlic is fragrant.
- Add orzo and cook 1 minute while stirring gently. Add wine and 1 ½ cups chicken broth. Cook, stirring often, another 6-10 minutes, until the orzo is al dente. Add additional broth as needed until orzo is cooked through. Stir in the cream (if using) and parmesan.
- If desired, garnish with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs and serve.
Notes
- Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freeze portions in zippered bags for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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