Spinach and Meatball Orzo (40 Minutes)

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Orzo pasta with meatballs and tomato sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal.

The tender meatballs and orzo pasta are enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, and the fresh spinach leaves added just before serving provide a vibrant, fresh touch.

This dish is easy to make and sure to become a family favorite so let’s get started!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the tomato sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

For the pasta:

  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meatballs (10 minutes): In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  2. Cook the meatballs (10 minutes): In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare the tomato sauce (10 minutes): In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Cook the orzo pasta (10 minutes): While the sauce is simmering, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil in a large pot. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. Combine and simmer (5 minutes): Add the cooked meatballs to the tomato sauce and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through. Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
  6. Assemble the dish (2 minutes): In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked orzo pasta with the meatballs and tomato sauce. Just before serving, gently fold in the fresh spinach leaves until they are slightly wilted.
  7. Serve (2 minutes): Serve the orzo pasta with meatballs and tomato sauce immediately. Enjoy this comforting and delicious dish with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce while it’s simmering. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving, making it perfect for meal prep.

The addition of fresh spinach just before serving adds a lovely freshness and color to the dish. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying orzo pasta with meatballs and tomato sauce as a family favorite!

*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/spinach-and-meatball-orzo-40-minutes/