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Cacio e Pepe Orzo skillet

Cacio e Pepe Chicken Meatball Skillet

4.96 from 47 votes
Enjoy the cheesy flavors of the classic Italian dish with this delicious Cacio e Pepe Chicken Meatball Skillet recipe. Made with lots of pecorino romano, this cheesy dish features chicken meatballs served atop a bed of creamy orzo.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: dinner, meal-prep, skillet
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 464

Ingredients
  

Chicken Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup grated pecorino romano
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Skillet
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 16 oz orzo
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk whole milk preferred, alternative milks will also work
  • 3/4 cup grated pecorino romano
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1-2 tbsp cracked pepper depending on how peppery you want it
  • grated pecorino + pepper for topping

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, breadcrumbs, pecorino, egg, salt, and pepper until all combined. Divide into 20 even meatballs.
  2. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add meatballs and cook 7-8 minutes, turning every 2ish minutes or until 165F in center and evenly cooked throughout. Set aside on separate plate.
  3. Add 1 tbsp butter to skillet, turning heat down to medium. Add orzo and toast for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally - leave the remaining brown bits from the meatballs. Once toasted, add chicken broth. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes or until orzo is al dente, stirring every few minutes.
  4. Once orzo is cooked, stir in remaining butter, milk, pecorino romano, and cracked pepper. Then add in spinach, stirring slowly until spinach begins to wilt. Add more milk if it seems dry. Let simmer for a few minutes to warm throughout and then add in meatballs. Stir until combined.
  5. Top with extra pecorino and pepper. Serve!

Nutrition

Calories: 464kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 879mgPotassium: 576mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 933IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 229mgIron: 2mg

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