Marry Me Orzo with Turkey Meatballs

Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Add 1 lb ground turkey to a large bowl.
  2. 2Add 1/2 cup bread crumbs to the bowl.
  3. 3Add 1 egg to the bowl.
  4. 4Add 1 large spoonful of chili garlic sauce to the bowl.
  5. 5Squeeze 2 tbsp of tomato paste into the bowl.
  6. 6Add 1 large spoonful of diced sun dried tomatoes to the bowl.
  7. 7Add a handful of fresh chopped parsley and chives to the bowl.
  8. 8Grate some shredded Parmesan cheese into the bowl.
  9. 9Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
  10. 10Mix all ingredients in the bowl until well combined, but do not over mix.
  11. 11Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls, coating hands in olive oil to prevent sticking.
  12. 12Place the formed meatballs on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  13. 13Bake the meatballs for about 11-12 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  14. 14Pour 2 tbsp of olive oil into a frying pan over medium heat.
  15. 15Add 1/2 diced onion to the pan and sauté until softened.
  16. 16Add a pinch of salt to the onions to help them sweat.
  17. 17Add 1 tbsp butter to the pan with the onions.
  18. 18Add 6 cloves of minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
  19. 19Add 2 tbsp tomato paste to the pan and stir/sauté for a few minutes until it darkens.
  20. 20Add 3-4 tbsp diced sun dried tomatoes to the pan and mix with the onion and garlic.
  21. 21Add 1 cup orzo to the pan and brown for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  22. 22Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into the pan, bring to a simmer, and cover.
  23. 23Let the orzo simmer for about 8-10 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
  24. 24Stir in salt, pepper, 3/4 cup heavy cream, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
  25. 25Add more pepper to taste.
  26. 26Add more shredded Parmesan cheese.
  27. 27Top with fresh parsley.
  28. 28Serve the Marry Me Orzo with turkey meatballs and a side of roasted asparagus.
  29. 29Garnish with additional shredded Parmesan cheese.
  30. 30Add fresh parsley as a final garnish.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 0.5 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 large spoonful chili garlic sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 large spoonful diced sun dried tomatoes
  • 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 handful fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 a little bit shredded parm
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp pepper
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 0.5 onion, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp sun dried tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup shredded parm
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • to top fresh parsley

Equipment

large bowlbaking sheetfoilfrying panwooden spoontongsmeat thermometer

Tips

  • Coat hands in olive oil to prevent meatballs from sticking while shaping.
  • Add a little salt to onions to help them sweat.
  • Stir orzo frequently while browning to prevent burning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check if meatballs have reached 165 degrees internal temperature.
  • For the tomato paste, stir/sauté for a few minutes until it starts to darken.
  • The orzo should simmer for about 8-10 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
  • Serve the orzo and meatballs with roasted asparagus and top with fresh parsley and additional shredded Parmesan cheese.
  • This dish is perfect for dinner, and great for meal prep or gatherings, offering an easy and inspiring dinner idea.
  • The dish pairs well with a side of roasted asparagus, making a complete meal.
  • The recipe offers a creative and delicious take on orzo pasta, ensuring a comforting and satisfying dining experience.