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Unapologetic Eats

Nourish your Body, Feed your Soul

Dinner · July 25, 2022

Chicken Meatballs and Orzo in Red Pepper Sauce

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chicken meatballs and orzo in red pepper sauce plated

This chicken meatballs and orzo in red pepper sauce is the perfect dinner. The chicken meatballs are tasty and tender and much lighter than traditional beef meatballs. There are walnuts in the red pepper sauce, which adds nuttiness and depth to a sauce that is already fresh and bursting with flavor. The melty mozzarella on top and fresh basil ties the whole dish together. 

Why Orzo patsa?

Orzo pasta is so underrated in my opinion, the pasta is very forgiving and very versatile. Orzo can be used in so many ways. It’s a tiny pasta that looks more like rice than pasta. There is still gluten in the orzo, which is great because we will save some of the pasta water for the roasted red pepper sauce. The chicken meat balls are really easy to make, we are going to sear them and let them simmer in the roasted red pepper sauce, making them super tender.

all about the sauce

Your whole family will enjoy these chicken meatballs and orzo in red pepper sauce. The sauce adds so much flavor and nutrients.  The fresh sauce ingredients will go into a blender or food processor then into the pan with the meatballs to simmer. You can add your favorite cheese, like mozzarella which melted extremely well.

red pepper walnut sauce
red pepper and walnut sauce
cooked orzo pasta
chicken meatballs with orzo and red pepper sauce
seared chicken meatballs
Ingredients needed to make chicken meatballs and orzo in red pepper sauce
Chicken meatballs~
  • Ground chicken 
  • Panko breadcrumbs 
  • Salt and pepper 
  • Garlic powder 
  • Dried oregano 
  • Mustard (Dijon or yellow)
roasetd red pepper sauce~ 
  • Roasted Red Peppers (here’s a link to make them at home Homemade Roasted Red Peppers)
  • Basil 
  • Walnuts 
  • Garlic 
  • Honey
pasta~
  • Orzo 
  • Onions 
  • Garlic 
  • Fresh Basil 
  • Fresh or Pre-Shredded Mozzarella 
chicken meatballs in red pepper sauce
how to make chicken meatballs and orzo in red pepper sauce

STEP 1: Start by making the sauce. Add the roasted red peppers, walnuts, basil, garlic, salt/ pepper and honey to a blender or food processor. Mix on high for a minute until a smooth sauce forms. Dice the onion and garlic and set aside. 

STEP 2: Prepare the chicken meatballs. Add the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, mustard, salt, and pepper to a medium sized bowl. Mix the ingredients until well combined. You may have to use your hands to mix well. Roll the chicken mixture into 11 or 12 meatballs. 

STEP 3: Bring a pot of water with a generous pinch of salt to a boil. Once the water is boiling add the orzo pasta and cook as instructed on the package. We’re looking for al dente. Before you drain the pasta, carefully reserve some pasta water, about a cup of water. 

STEP 4: Heat a large pan to medium heat. Add olive oil to the pan along with the chicken meatballs. Sear the chicken meatballs for about 3 minutes on each side. 

STEP 5: After meatballs are browned on both sides add in onion and garlic sauté on medium heat for 1 minute. Add the roasted red pepper sauce and ½ cup pasta water. Give the meatballs a stir and turn the temperature to low, cover with a lid and simmer the meatballs for 10 minutes. 

STEP 6: Add in cooked orzo and mix, if the sauce is still too thick, add more pasta water. Top the dish with mozzarella cheese, cover with a lid to melt the cheese. This should only take a few minutes. If desired, top with more basil and serve immediately. Enjoy!

chicken meatballs with orzo and red pepper sauce
notes for success

This recipe requires a little bit of multitasking, take your time, this recipe is very forgiving. The consistency of the sauce is all about feeling, start with ½ cup of pasta water, you can always add more if you need to thin the sauce out. You can substitute your favorite cheese.  

Storage

You can store the chicken meatballs and orzo in red pepper sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

over head chicken and orzo pasta

Are you looking for more recipes with roasted red peppers? Here are some of my favorites~

  • Homemade Roasted Red Peppers
  • Roasted Garlic and Red Pepper Hummus
  • Turkey and Brie Sandwich with Red Pepper Aioli
  • Sun-Dried Tomato and Whipped Goat Cheese Gnocchi

If you make this Chicken Meatballs and Orzo in Red Pepper Sauce, be sure to leave a comment and rating. Suggestions and substitutions are welcome. I appreciate your support and feedback and I try my best to respond to each and every comment! Thank you!

chicken meatballs and orzo in red pepper sauce plated
Print Recipe

Chicken Meatballs and Orzo in Red Pepper Sauce

You must try my chicken meatballs and orzo in red pepper sauce, it is the perfect meal to share with family and friends. The sauce is bursting with roasted red peppers. The tender meatballs add a healthy protein to the dish, and the orzo pasta is the perfect addition to grab onto the homemade sauce. Top off the dish with fresh mozzarella and fresh basil. Enjoy!
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4
Author: Jennifer Struss

Ingredients

Chicken Meatballs

  • 1 LB Ground Chicken
  • ¼ cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Mustard (yellow or Dijon)
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • Black Pepper

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

  • 2 whole Roasted Red Peppers
  • ¼ cup Walnuts
  • ¼ cup Fresh Basil
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • ½ tsp Salt

Pasta

  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta
  • ½ medium Onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 6 oz Mozzarella Cheese

Instructions

  • Start by making the sauce. Add the roasted red peppers, walnuts, basil, garlic, salt/ pepper and honey to a blender or food processor. Mix on high for a minute until a smooth sauce forms. Dice the onion and garlic and set aside.
  • Prepare the chicken meatballs. Add ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, mustard, salt, and pepper to a medium sized bowl. Mix the ingredients until well combined. You may have to use your hands to mix well. Roll the chicken mixture into 11 or 12 meatballs.
  • Bring a pot of water with a generous pinch of salt to a boil. Once the water is boiling add the orzo pasta and cook as instructed on the package. Cook until al dente. Before you drain the pasta, carefully reserve some pasta water, about a cup of water.
  • Pre heat a large pan to medium heat. Add olive oil to the pan along with the chicken meatballs. Sear the chicken meatballs for about 4 minutes on each side.
  • After meatballs are browned on both sides add in onion and garlic saute on medium heat for 1 minute. Add the roasted red pepper sauce and ½ cup pasta water. Give the meatballs a stir and turn the temperature to low. Cover with a lid and let the meatballs simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add in cooked orzo and mix, if the sauce is too thick add more pasta water. Top the dish with mozzarella cheese, cover with a lid to melt the cheese. This should only take a few minutes. If desired, top with more basil and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

This recipe requires a little bit of multitasking, take your time, this recipe is very forgiving. The consistency of the sauce is all about feeling, start with ½ cup of pasta water, you can always add more if you need to thin the sauce out. You can substitute your favorite cheese.  

Posted In: Dinner · Tagged: dinner recipes, Italian, orzo pasta, roasted red peppers

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I believe that food is meant to nourish your body and fuel you through your busy day. You should never apologize for eating food you enjoy. Health looks different to everybody, and food affects everyone’s body differently. So, eat the foods that make you feel good and stress less.

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