Trader Joes Chicken Meatballs and Orzo Recipe

This Trader Joe’s Chicken Meatballs and Orzo recipe is a zesty and one-pot meal, which uses pre-cooked chicken meatballs and tender orzo pasta. It’s a busy weeknight savior, ready in about 25 minutes.

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Trader Joes Chicken Meatballs and Orzo Ingredients

• 1 package (12 oz) Trader Joe’s Fully Cooked Chicken Meatballs (or Italian Style)
• 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
• 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (or 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup crumbled Feta cheese
• Fresh lemon juice, to finish
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How To Make Trader Joes Chicken Meatballs and Orzo

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and dried oregano. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Toast the orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet with the onions. Stir frequently for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the orzo. This adds a nutty flavor and helps the pasta hold its shape.
3. Add liquid and meatballs: Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained diced tomatoes. Stir well to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the chicken meatballs (you can leave them whole or slice them in half).
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
5. Check pasta: Taste the orzo to ensure it is tender (al dente). Most of the liquid should be absorbed, creating a creamy, risotto-like consistency. If it’s too dry but the pasta is hard, add a splash more water.
6. Wilt the spinach: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh baby spinach. The residual heat will wilt it in seconds.
7. Finish: Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the dish to brighten the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve: Sprinkle the crumbled Feta cheese over the top and serve hot.

Recipe Tips

• Meatball choice: Trader Joe’s sells standard Chicken Meatballs and Italian Style Chicken Meatballs. Either works, but the Italian ones add extra herbal flavor. Since they are pre-cooked, you are just warming them through.
• Liquid ratio: Orzo is thirsty. The 1:2 ratio (1.5 cups pasta to 3 cups broth) usually works well for a saucy finish, but keep extra broth handy just in case your stove runs hot and evaporates the liquid too fast.
• Cheese variety: Feta adds a salty punch that pairs with the tomatoes, but you can swap it for Parmesan or small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) if you prefer a meltier cheese.
• Vegetables: This is a flexible recipe. Feel free to add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or kalamata olives along with the tomatoes.

What To Serve With Trader Joes Chicken Meatballs and Orzo

This is a complete meal, but sides can stretch it further.

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for the Mediterranean theme.
• Greek Salad: Cucumber, tomato, and olive salad.
• Roasted Broccoli: Adds more green to the plate.
• White Wine: A Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely.

How To Store Trader Joes Chicken Meatballs and Orzo

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Orzo will absorb all remaining liquid in the fridge and become a solid block. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and microwave or heat on the stove to loosen it up.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as the pasta can become mushy.

Trader Joes Chicken Meatballs and Orzo Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturates: 4g
• Sugar: 4g
• Salt: 0.9g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving (based on 4 servings).

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