Description
Mediterranean-inspired baked orzo delight with savory meatballs combines hearty pasta and juicy protein in one comforting dish. Creamy textures and rich herb-infused flavors promise a satisfying meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2–3 cups premade chicken meatballs
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Grains and Base:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) DeLallo orzo
- 3 cups (710 milliliters) vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups (475 milliliters) ready-to-serve tomato soup
Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:
- ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
- Fresh basil for topping
- DeLallo Private Reserve Olive Oil for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the culinary workspace to a sizzling 425 degrees, preparing a spacious 9×13 inch baking vessel for a delectable orzo adventure.
- Artfully distribute uncooked orzo across the baking dish, creating a welcoming base for robust meatballs, vibrant cherry tomatoes, aromatic broth, and rich tomato soup.
- Slide the symphonic mixture into the heated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform for approximately 25 minutes, creating a harmonious culinary landscape.
- Carefully extract the dish and gently stir the contents, ensuring each grain of orzo receives equal attention and liquid absorption.
- Evaluate the orzo’s tenderness – if still slightly resistant, return to the oven for an additional 10-minute interlude, introducing more broth if the mixture appears parched.
- Once perfectly cooked, unveil the dish from the oven’s warmth and introduce minced garlic, bringing an aromatic intensity to the ensemble.
- Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese, allowing its nutty essence to cascade through the creation, and incorporate butter to enhance the velvety texture.
- Complete the masterpiece by garnishing with delicate fresh basil leaves and a graceful drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, transforming the dish into a culinary work of art.
Notes
- Versatile one-pan meal that combines hearty meatballs with creamy orzo for a comforting dinner solution.
- Precise liquid ratios are crucial to achieve perfectly cooked, tender orzo without becoming mushy or dry.
- Customize the dish by choosing different types of broth like chicken, vegetable, or beef to match your flavor preferences.
- Check orzo’s doneness midway through cooking and add extra liquid if needed to prevent sticking or burning.
- Elevate the final presentation with freshly grated Parmesan and torn basil leaves for a restaurant-quality touch.
- Potential time-saving meal prep option: assemble ingredients ahead and refrigerate before baking for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg