Pan-Seared Meatballs with Creamy Orzo and Spinach
Juicy pan-seared meatballs served over creamy orzo pasta with spinach and a hint of citrus.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish offers a balance of hearty protein and creamy pasta with fresh flavors, making it elegant yet approachable.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef or lamb
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Garlic
Parmesan cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil
Orzo pasta
Fresh spinach
Cream
Lemon
directions
Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, cheese, salt, and pepper.
Form into meatballs and sear in olive oil until browned and cooked through.
Cook orzo according to package instructions.
Add cream and spinach to the orzo and simmer gently.
Serve meatballs over orzo and finish with lemon juice.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
Use ground chicken instead of beef.
Add herbs such as dill or parsley for freshness.
storage/reheating
Store in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream.
FAQs
Can I bake the meatballs?
Yes, bake them at 200°C for 15–18 minutes.
Is orzo a type of rice?
No, orzo is a small pasta.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and drain it first.
Can this be made dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and omit cheese.
Is lemon necessary?
It adds brightness but can be omitted.
Can I prepare meatballs in advance?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate them up to one day ahead.
What meat works best?
Beef, lamb, or a mixture are all suitable.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, zucchini or peas work well.
Is this dish filling?
Yes, it is hearty and satisfying.
Can leftovers be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce.
Conclusion
This meatball and orzo dish is a refined yet comforting meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
PrintPan-Seared Meatballs with Creamy Orzo and Spinach
Juicy pan-seared meatballs served over creamy orzo pasta with tender spinach, creating a rich and satisfying one-pan style meal.
- 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
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- 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
Keywords: meatballs, creamy orzo, spinach pasta, skillet dinner, comfort food
