Home›Recipes›Orzo Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Chicken Meatballs, and Boursin Cheese
Orzo Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Chicken Meatballs, and Boursin Cheese

Orzo Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Chicken Meatballs, and Boursin Cheese

30 mins
450 kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225g) orzo pasta
  • 1 pound (450g) ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup (60g) grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup (60g) boursin cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup (120g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools Needed

Large pot for boiling pastaMeatball moldBaking sheet lined with parchment paperImmersion blender (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix well with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 3

Using a meatball mold, shape the mixture into 16 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Step 5

While the meatballs are baking, cook the orzo pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the orzo.

Step 6

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to release their juices.

Step 7

Add the boursin cheese to the skillet and stir to combine with the cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.

Step 8

Add the cooked orzo pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the cherry tomato and boursin mixture. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.

Step 9

To serve, place a portion of the orzo pasta on a plate, top with a few baked chicken meatballs, and garnish with chopped parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use beef or pork instead of chicken for the meatballs?

Yes, you can use beef or pork instead of chicken for the meatballs. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Preparation Tips

  • Make sure to not overmix the meatball mixture, as this can lead to dense and tough meatballs.
  • If using an immersion blender, be careful not to over-blend the boursin cheese mixture, as this can result in a too-smooth consistency.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a more substantial meal.
  • Consider adding some chopped fresh basil or oregano to the orzo pasta for extra flavor.