There’s nothing quite like the comforting combination of tender turkey meatballs bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce dotted with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Meatballs over Orzo recipe is your ticket to a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels both indulgent and wholesome. The juicy meatballs pair perfectly with the nutty orzo, all brought together in a rich, flavorful sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. Ready to dive into a dish that’s as elegant as it is easy? Let’s get cooking!

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

This recipe strikes the ideal balance between quick preparation, rich flavor, and healthy ingredients. Using ground turkey keeps the meatballs lean, while sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness that elevates the dish. The creamy sauce made with heavy cream and chicken broth is the perfect indulgent touch, coating the orzo and meatballs for a comforting bite every time.

Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, these meatballs over orzo come together in under an hour and make excellent leftovers. Plus, the fresh basil garnish adds a vibrant pop of color and herbaceous aroma that will impress even the pickiest eaters. If you love pasta dishes like the Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Linguine, this recipe will feel like a new favorite in your culinary lineup.

What You’ll Need

1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
8 ounces orzo pasta
Additional fresh basil for garnish

Gear Up: What to Grab

Large mixing bowl – for combining the meatball ingredients
Large skillet or sauté pan – to cook the meatballs and sauce
Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient measurements
Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the sauce
Colander – to drain the orzo
Chef’s knife and cutting board – for chopping sun-dried tomatoes and basil

How to Prepare Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Meatballs over Orzo

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, beaten egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Form and Cook the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs, placing them on a plate or tray as you go. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop flavor. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

While the sauce simmers, cook the orzo according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the meatballs to the skillet with the creamy sauce, stirring gently to coat them. Add the cooked orzo to the pan and toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish.

Serve your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Meatballs over Orzo immediately, enjoying the perfect harmony of creamy, tangy, and herby flavors in every bite.

Dietary Swaps & Alternatives

Ground Meat: Substitute ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free option.
Heavy Cream: Swap with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free twist.
Parmesan Cheese: Use a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version.
Orzo: Substitute with gluten-free pasta or quinoa for a different texture.

Insider Tips

Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture; this keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
For extra flavor, soak the sun-dried tomatoes in warm water before chopping to soften them.
If you prefer, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes instead of pan-frying.
Adding a splash of white wine to the sauce before simmering adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Use fresh basil generously at the end to brighten up the dish and add freshness.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the meatballs and sauce separately from the orzo for best results. To reheat, warm the meatballs and sauce gently in a skillet or microwave, then toss with freshly cooked or reheated orzo.

For freezing, place the cooked meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Orzo is best cooked fresh, but you can freeze cooked orzo separately if needed.

Ask the Chef

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture, form the meatballs, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes weeknight dinners even easier.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

While sun-dried tomatoes add a unique sweet and tangy flavor, you can substitute them with roasted red peppers or chopped cherry tomatoes for a fresher taste.

Is there a way to lighten the cream sauce?

Yes, you can substitute half the heavy cream with low-fat milk or use a light cooking cream to reduce calories while still maintaining creaminess.

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Definitely. Small pasta shapes like couscous, small shells, or even elbow macaroni work beautifully in this recipe. For a twist, try the One Pot Chicken Parmesan Orzo or the One Pot Greek Chicken Orzo With Feta for more pasta inspiration.

Our Most-Loved Recipes

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Linguine – A luscious pasta dish with tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce.
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Orzo – A cheesy, comforting one-pot meal with Italian flavors.
One Pot Greek Chicken Orzo With Feta – A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired orzo dish loaded with fresh herbs and feta cheese.

Ready to Cook?

Gather your ingredients, prep your meatballs, and get ready to enjoy a dinner that’s bursting with flavor and comfort. This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Meatballs over Orzo recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Dive in and savor every creamy, tangy, and savory bite — your new favorite meal awaits!

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