Name: Saucy Braised Garlic Butter Meatballs with Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken; 3/4 pound spicy Italian chicken sausage; 1-2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 poblano pepper, chopped; 1 egg; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; 4-6 large cloves garlic; 6 cups marinara sauce; 1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves; 8 tablespoons salted butter; 6 sprigs fresh sage or rosemary; 1 pound orzo pasta, cooked

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 13 reviews

If you are craving a comforting, flavor-packed dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, look no further than this Saucy Braised Garlic Butter Meatballs with Orzo Recipe. These tender meatballs, infused with the smoky heat of poblano pepper and fragrant Italian herbs, swim in a rich, garlicky butter sauce paired perfectly with tender orzo pasta. The balance of juicy meat, luscious tomato sauce, and aromatic garlic butter makes this recipe an unforgettable meal that’s both hearty and elegant, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a deep pan filled with thick, bright red tomato sauce. Within the sauce, there are chunks of orange carrot, pieces of white onion, and browned meatballs with a textured surface. At the top edge of the pan, several fresh green basil leaves float gently on the sauce. The pan itself is metallic with a dark handle, resting on a stove. The scene is detailed with bubbles and a glossy shine on the sauce, showing it is hot and simmering. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This dish uses simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component, from the spicy Italian chicken sausage to the fresh basil, plays a crucial role in building complexity and vibrancy in every bite.

1 1/2 pounds ground chicken: Provides a lean, tender base for the meatballs.
3/4 pound spicy Italian chicken sausage: Adds robust flavor and a subtle kick to elevate the meatballs.
1-2 tablespoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs to infuse the meat mixture.
1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Delivers a salty, savory depth that binds the meatballs beautifully.
1 poblano pepper, chopped: Adds a mild smoky heat and subtle earthiness.
1 egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together perfectly.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
4-6 large cloves garlic: The star ingredient that infuses the dish with irresistibly fragrant richness.
6 cups marinara sauce: A robust, tangy base that braises the meatballs tender and juicy.
1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes: Adds texture and vibrant acidity to balance the richness.
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves: Freshness and bright herbal notes to finish the dish.
8 tablespoons salted butter: Creates the luscious garlic butter sauce that ties the whole dish together.
6 sprigs fresh sage or rosemary: Offers fragrant woodsy aroma for browning butter goodness.
1 pound orzo pasta, cooked: A tender, rice-shaped pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce.

How to Make Saucy Braised Garlic Butter Meatballs with Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Shape the Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, spicy Italian sausage, Italian seasoning, parmesan, chopped poblano pepper, and egg. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. This combination creates juicy, flavorful meatballs with a touch of heat and herbaceous notes. Lightly oil your hands and roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls, aiming for about 22 meatballs. This shape helps them cook evenly and create the perfect bite-sized portions.

Step 2: Sear the Meatballs

Heat a large braiser or heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Place your meatballs in the pan and brown them gently for about 5 minutes, turning carefully so they develop a golden crust without breaking. Then add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and let it brown around the meatballs for another 2 minutes. This step builds caramelized flavor that is simply irresistible and lends a beautiful richness to your dish.

Step 3: Braise in the Saucy Mixture

Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and 3/4 cup of water to create the perfect braising liquid. Season with salt and pepper and toss in the whole garlic cloves and fresh basil leaves. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and partially cover the pan. Let everything cook undisturbed for 20 minutes, which brings the meatballs to tender perfection and allows the flavors to meld wonderfully. You can even simmer for up to 3-4 hours if you have the time, stirring occasionally to keep everything cozy and flavorful.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Once the meatballs are cooked through, remove the garlic cloves from the sauce. In a separate skillet set to medium heat, melt the remaining butter with fresh sage or rosemary and add the garlic cloves you set aside. Mash the garlic as it cooks in the butter to release its sweet, mellow flavor and let the butter brown just slightly for a crispy, aromatic touch that adds incredible depth to the dish.

Step 5: Prepare the Orzo

While the sauce simmers, cook the orzo according to package instructions until tender but still slightly firm. Drain it and toss it in the golden garlic butter from the skillet, making each little grain shine with buttery, garlicky goodness. This simple step elevates plain orzo into a luscious, flavorful base that complements the meatballs perfectly.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Serve the warm meatballs generously nestled in the rich, tomato-garlic sauce over a bed of buttery orzo. Sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and fresh flavor. This Saucy Braised Garlic Butter Meatballs with Orzo Recipe is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a comforting meal that looks just as inviting as it tastes.

How to Serve Saucy Braised Garlic Butter Meatballs with Orzo Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with round, golden-brown balls that have a slightly crispy texture and small bits of green herbs and vegetables inside. The balls are arranged closely together, and some fresh green basil leaves are placed on top and around them. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the light highlights the shiny, slightly oily texture of the balls, making them look warm and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves and a shower of freshly grated parmesan cheese are excellent garnishes for this dish. The basil adds a refreshing herbal note that brightens the rich sauce while the parmesan introduces a salty, nutty contrast that rounds everything out beautifully. For an extra touch, a few crispy garlic chips from the browned butter can add texture and charm.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with something crisp and refreshing on the side, like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a perfect accompaniment to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the meatballs family-style in a large shallow bowl on a bed of orzo. Garnish with finely chopped herbs and a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze for extra flair. You could also skewer the meatballs for an elegant appetizer-style serving, placing them on orzo nests on individual plates for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover meatballs and sauce keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it an excellent recipe for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners since the flavors only deepen overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked meatballs and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Freeze the garlic butter and cooked orzo separately if possible to maintain the best texture, then reheat everything gently in a skillet when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat to prevent drying out, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Reheat the orzo tossed with garlic butter separately to keep it fluffy and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use beef or pork instead of chicken?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground chicken and sausage for a lighter profile, ground beef or pork can also be used for a richer flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed.

What if I don’t have poblano peppers?

If poblano peppers aren’t available, mild green bell peppers or Anaheim peppers make good substitutes and will keep the smoky, slightly spicy character in the meatballs.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, the recipe includes a crockpot method that’s just as delicious and even hands-off. Slow cooking melds the flavors together beautifully and requires very little attention once set.

Is orzo necessary or can I serve this with something else?

Orzo is fantastic here because it soaks up the sauce perfectly, but you can also serve the meatballs over spaghetti, polenta, or even mashed potatoes for a different twist.

How do I get the garlic butter crispy without burning it?

Keep the heat moderate and watch the butter closely as it cooks. The goal is for it to turn a light golden brown and for the garlic to become slightly crisp but not burnt. Stir often to prevent scorching.

Final Thoughts

This Saucy Braised Garlic Butter Meatballs with Orzo Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings both comfort and elegance to your table with its rich flavors and tender textures. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family meal or an impressive dinner with friends, it promises to be a delightful and memorable dish. Give it a try—once you do, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll want to make again and again!