Creamy Baked Orzo With Meatballs, Chianti, and My Wife Jodie

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)

For the Orzo:

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat the oven: to 375°F (190°C).
• Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
• Brown the meatballs: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
• Prepare the orzo: In the same skillet (with the meatball drippings for extra flavor), add the orzo and sauté for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it. Stir in the marinara sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
• Combine and bake: Transfer the orzo mixture to a large baking dish. Nestle the browned meatballs into the orzo. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• Finish baking: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meatballs are fully cooked.
• Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve this Creamy Baked Orzo with Meatballs hot, straight from the oven. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious, family-friendly dish!