Marry Me Chicken Meatballs with Risoni Recipe

This incredible Marry Me Chicken Meatballs with Risoni is the kind of dish that lives up to its name – it’s absolutely swoon-worthy! Tender chicken meatballs nestled in a creamy sun-dried tomato risoni that’s ready in just 25 minutes. The combination of savory meatballs with the rich, slightly tangy sauce and perfectly cooked risoni creates a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Perfect for date nights or impressing dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Weeknight Wonder: This entire dish comes together in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something special without the fuss.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and herbs creates an incredible depth of flavor that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Choose your preferred way to cook the meatballs – oven, stovetop, or air fryer – depending on what works best for your kitchen setup.
• One-Pan Meal: After cooking the meatballs, everything comes together in a single pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your fantastic creation.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• Minced chicken: Creates tender, lighter meatballs that absorb flavors beautifully.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Keeps the meatballs light and prevents them from becoming dense.
• Brown onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the meatballs.
• Garlic: Essential for flavor – don’t skimp here!
• Egg: Works as a binder to hold your meatballs together.
• Parmesan cheese: Brings saltiness and umami to the meatballs.
• Milk: Keeps the meatballs moist and tender.
• Sweet paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and color.
• Dried oregano: Provides classic Italian herb flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
• Olive oil: For cooking the meatballs to golden perfection.

For the Creamy Risoni:

• Olive oil: The foundation of your sauce, used to sauté the aromatics.
• Brown onion: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds that essential punch of flavor.
• Semi-dried tomatoes: The star ingredient that gives this dish its distinctive rich flavor.
• Red wine vinegar: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds depth.
• Chicken stock: Provides the liquid for cooking the risoni while adding flavor.
• Risoni/orzo: These tiny pasta shapes cook right in the sauce, absorbing all the amazing flavors.
• Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture that makes this dish so special.
• Dried oregano and chili flakes: Adds herbal notes and a hint of heat.
• Baby spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a fresh element to balance the richness.
• Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for added creaminess and flavor.

Variations

• Protein Swap: Try using ground turkey, beef, or a plant-based alternative instead of chicken.
• Vegetable Additions: Add roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
• Herb Upgrade: Stir in fresh basil or parsley just before serving for a burst of brightness.
• Spice Level: Adjust the chili flakes to your preference – omit for milder palates or double for heat lovers.
• Pasta Options: If you don’t have risoni, substitute other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs with Risoni

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Combine chicken, breadcrumbs, diced onion, garlic, egg, parmesan, milk, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – don’t overmix or your meatballs will become tough. Shape into golf ball-sized meatballs, wetting your hands if the mixture feels sticky.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Choose your preferred cooking method:

• Oven: Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 10 minutes, then broil for 3-4 minutes until browned.
• Stovetop: Pan-fry in olive oil for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through.
• Air Fryer: Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Create the Risoni Base

Heat olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium-high heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the semi-dried tomatoes and red wine vinegar, cooking until most liquid evaporates.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add chicken stock, risoni, cream, oregano, chili flakes (if using), and black pepper. Cook, stirring regularly, for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Finish the Risoni

Add water and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the risoni is tender. Turn off the heat and stir in baby spinach and parmesan until the spinach wilts.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked meatballs to the creamy risoni mixture and gently toss to coat them in the sauce. Serve immediately with extra parmesan and chili flakes if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined – overmixing can make them tough.
• Check Risoni Texture: The cooking time for risoni can vary slightly by brand. Test a few pieces to ensure they’re perfectly al dente.
• Sauce Consistency: If the risoni absorbs too much liquid while cooking, add a splash more stock or water to reach your desired creaminess.
• Layering Flavors: Allow the tomato paste to cook for the full 1-2 minutes – this step caramelizes the paste and develops a deeper flavor.
• Meatball Size: Keep your meatballs uniform in size so they cook evenly.

How to Serve

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but here are some perfect pairings:

Side Dishes

Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness, or some garlic bread for soaking up the incredible sauce.

Wine Pairing

This creamy, tomato-based dish pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied red like Chianti or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley adds color and freshness, while an extra dusting of parmesan never hurts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can prepare the meatballs up to 2 days in advance – mix, shape, and refrigerate them in an airtight container. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The risoni will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Note: Due to the cream-based sauce, this dish doesn’t freeze well. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of risoni?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti work well. You may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount slightly depending on the pasta type.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The safest way to check is using a meat thermometer – chicken meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open – it should be completely opaque with no pink remaining.

Can I make this dish ahead for a dinner party?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them uncooked. The sauce comes together quickly, so I recommend making that part just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make this lighter?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk. For a dairy-free option, try full-fat coconut milk (though this will add a slight coconut flavor) or a plant-based cooking cream.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Meatballs with Risoni recipe truly lives up to its charming name. With its irresistible combination of tender meatballs, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked risoni, it’s bound to impress anyone you serve it to. The beauty lies in its simplicity – despite the incredible flavors, it comes together quickly enough for a weeknight dinner but feels special enough for celebrations. Give it a try – your family might just propose on the spot!

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