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Meatball Parm Orzo

Meatball Parm Orzo
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Meatball Parm Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot Italian-inspired meal featuring tender, savory meatballs, delicate orzo pasta, and creamy Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines rich tomato marinara sauce with aromatic garlic, onion, and Italian herbs for a quick, satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights or family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or a mix)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Italian herbs (basil, oregano, parsley)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)

Orzo and Sauce

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 4 cups salted water (for boiling orzo)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing garlic)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian herbs (basil, oregano, parsley)

Finishing

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground meat, minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well then roll the mixture into bite-sized meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until golden and cooked through. Remove meatballs and set aside.
  2. Cook the Orzo: While meatballs cook, bring salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in marinara sauce and add Italian herbs. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to blend flavors.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked orzo and stir gently to coat everything evenly. Let the mixture simmer together for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld and orzo to fully absorb the sauce.
  5. Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan over the dish. Cover the skillet briefly to melt the cheese. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, then serve hot and fresh.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcook the orzo; it should be slightly underdone as it will absorb sauce during the final simmer step.
  • Fresh herbs like basil and parsley add brightness and enhance the flavor profile.
  • Brown the meatballs well to add texture and depth of flavor.
  • Stir gently when combining orzo and sauce to keep the meatballs intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball parm orzo, Italian dinner, one-pot meal, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, quick pasta recipe, meatballs, Parmesan orzo

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/meatball-parm-orzo/