Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's as delicious as it is nutritious? Dive into the world of "Herby Meatballs with Creamy Kale Orzo," where savory turkey meatballs meet the rich creaminess of orzo pasta and vibrant kale. This American classic not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a burst of color and health to your plate. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a must-try! With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, you'll wonder why you haven't made this delightful dish sooner. Let's get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: ground turkey, parsley, parmesan cheese, egg, orzo pasta, kale, chicken broth, cream, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped parsley, grated parmesan cheese, and the egg. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
- Once the meatball mixture is ready, form it into small balls, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 16 meatballs.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped kale and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it begins to wilt. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to combine with the kale.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the cream and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently until warmed through, then remove from heat.
- Once the orzo is cooked, return the meatballs to the skillet and gently fold them into the orzo and kale mixture. Pour the creamy sauce over the top and stir to combine everything evenly.
- Allow the dish to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the herby meatballs with creamy kale orzo warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley or grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and kale will enhance the flavor of your meatballs and orzo. If possible, opt for organic produce for the best taste and quality.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the meatballs, make sure to give them enough space in the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, resulting in less flavorful meatballs.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, feel free to reduce the amount of cream or substitute it with a lower-fat option. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty twist!
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the meatball mixture. Garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can add an extra kick.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra parsley or a dusting of parmesan cheese before serving can make your dish look as good as it tastes, impressing your family and guests alike.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Leftover Transformation: If you have leftovers, try using them in a salad or as a filling for wraps the next day for a delicious and quick lunch option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 394kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 28g
Cholesterol: 82mg
