Pan-Seared Meatballs with Creamy Orzo and Spinach
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Juicy pan-seared meatballs served over creamy orzo pasta with tender spinach, creating a rich and satisfying one-pan style meal.
- Author: Emma Harper
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until combined.
- Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and pan-sear the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add orzo and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, cooking until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in heavy cream and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts.
- Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 3–5 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Season with red pepper flakes if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be used instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Adjust cream quantity for desired sauce thickness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg