Easy and Delicious Orecchiette with Mini Meatballs and Kale

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Looking for a quick and delectable meal? Look no further!

In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a satisfying plate of perfectly cooked pasta mingling with savory mini meatballs, vibrant kale, and the richness of Parmesan cheese.

This dish embodies a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a family favorite.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 oz orecchiette pasta
  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups chopped kale
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Start by cooking the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and shape into small meatballs.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the chopped kale to the skillet and cook until wilted. Add the pine nuts and cook until fragrant.
  6. Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet. Add the cooked orecchiette and toss everything together to combine.
  7. Serve the orecchiette and meatballs in individual plates, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs. Be careful not to overcook the kale; it should be tender but still vibrant in color. Consider adding a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil before serving for an extra layer of flavor. Grated lemon zest can add a refreshing twist to the dish. Just sprinkle some over the plated pasta before the first bite. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/orecchiette-with-mini-meatballs-and-kale-30-minutes/