One Pot Creamy Orzo and Turkey Spinach Meatballs

One Pot Creamy Orzo with Turkey Spinach Meatballs is a satisfying meal combining two kid-friendly favorites — meatballs and mac & cheese– all in one pot.

One Pot Creamy Orzo with Turkey Spinach Meatballs

When it comes to dinner on busy weeknights, I love the convenience of one pot cooking — especially one-pot pasta dishes. Tossing dry pasta into the same pot as the rest of the meal is such a genius way to streamline the cooking process (goodbye pot of boiling water). I’ve used this method before in everything from Creamy Pasta with Spring Vegetables to my Homemade One-Pot Tuna Casserole, and I’m even thinking about using this trick to create a one-pot version of my world-famous Pasta Pomodoro.

Kid Favorites Combined

But today I’m combining two sure-fire kid-pleasers. This One Pot Creamy Orzo with Turkey Spinach Meatballs combines all the flavors and textures of Mac and Cheese and Meatballs (plus a couple sneaky helpings of veggies) into one amazing meal.

Orzo and parmesan are practically made for one another, creating risotto-like texture and with delicious lightly cheesy flavor. In addition to the cheese sauce, I’ve added peeled shredded zucchini for extra nutrition thats practically invisible to picky eaters. The meatballs, which cook directly in the same pan, lend even more flavor and they’re packed with a full cup of baby spinach for even more wholesomeness.

The Secret Is in The Sauce

The magic to this technique is the way the sauce is made. Instead of using flour or cream to create the sauce, you simmer the orzo in a mixture of broth and low fat milk. Starches in the pasta naturally thicken and create a creamy texture as it cooks. Just like magic.

The meatballs are amazing on their own, or dropped into a pot of my Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup, but they’re especially yummy tucked into this creamy pasta.

My four-year old gave this dish two very enthusiastic thumbs up and even my husband, who isn’t a big fan of orzo, went back in for seconds (and possibly thirds). Give it a shot — this is one pot you don’t want to miss.

One Pot Creamy Orzo and Turkey Spinach Meatballs

• Author: Homemaker's Habitat
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 25
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: One Pot Pasta

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Description

One Pot Creamy Orzo with Turkey Spinach Meatballs is a satisfying meal combining two kid-friendly favorites — meatballs and mac & cheese– all in one pot.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup baby spinach, finely chopped
• 1 1/3  lb. ground turkey (1 package)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 pound orzo pasta (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups low fat milk
• 1 cup peeled, shredded zucchini
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Place ground turkey in a large bowl and make a well in the center. Add spinach, garlic egg, breadcrumbs and salt and pepper. Mix well and form into 16 walnut size meatballs. Reserve half of the meatballs for later use: Place 8 meatballs on a baking sheet or tray and place in freezer until solid. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to two months.
2. To cook remaining meatballs, heat a large heavy bottom skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. Arrange 8 meatballs in skillet and cook, turning frequently, until browned on all sized, about 10 minutes. Move meatballs to a plate and set aside.
3. Add olive oil and onions to the same pan and cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat or until onions are soft. Add  orzo and saute for about one minute.
4. Lower heat to simmer. Add broth, milk, zucchini and parmesan and stir to combine. Nestle meatballs back into pot and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, until liquid has formed a creamy sauce and pasta is cooked through. If needed add another splash of broth or water until pasta cooks completely.
5. Remove from heat, season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

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Notes

Recipe makes more meatballs than needed. Freeze half on a baking sheet then transfer to an airtight container and save for a second meal (or use in my Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup).

Keywords: One Pot Creamy Orzo with Turkey Spinach Meatballs

One Pot Creamy Orzo and Turkey Spinach Meatballs

• Author: Homemaker's Habitat
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 25
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: One Pot Pasta

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

One Pot Creamy Orzo with Turkey Spinach Meatballs is a satisfying meal combining two kid-friendly favorites — meatballs and mac & cheese– all in one pot.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup baby spinach, finely chopped
• 1 1/3  lb. ground turkey (1 package)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 pound orzo pasta (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups low fat milk
• 1 cup peeled, shredded zucchini
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

---

Instructions

1. Place ground turkey in a large bowl and make a well in the center. Add spinach, garlic egg, breadcrumbs and salt and pepper. Mix well and form into 16 walnut size meatballs. Reserve half of the meatballs for later use: Place 8 meatballs on a baking sheet or tray and place in freezer until solid. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to two months.
2. To cook remaining meatballs, heat a large heavy bottom skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. Arrange 8 meatballs in skillet and cook, turning frequently, until browned on all sized, about 10 minutes. Move meatballs to a plate and set aside.
3. Add olive oil and onions to the same pan and cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat or until onions are soft. Add  orzo and saute for about one minute.
4. Lower heat to simmer. Add broth, milk, zucchini and parmesan and stir to combine. Nestle meatballs back into pot and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, until liquid has formed a creamy sauce and pasta is cooked through. If needed add another splash of broth or water until pasta cooks completely.
5. Remove from heat, season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

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Notes

Recipe makes more meatballs than needed. Freeze half on a baking sheet then transfer to an airtight container and save for a second meal (or use in my Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup).

Keywords: One Pot Creamy Orzo with Turkey Spinach Meatballs