Jen
I’m excited to share my favorite Italian recipe with you. It has tender meatballs, creamy mozzarella basil sauce, and al dente orzo. It’s perfect for a cozy night with family and friends, and I’ll show you how to make it.
This recipe is quick to prepare, taking just 25 minutes. It’s great for beginners and serves 4-6 people. The mix of ground chicken, parmesan, and mozzarella basil cream sauce is rich and satisfying.
This dish is a true Italian comfort food. It has a creamy sauce, tender meatballs, and al dente orzo. The mozzarella basil cream sauce gives it a unique twist. I’ll teach you how to make it with butter, garlic, and crushed fire-roasted tomatoes.
My Journey with Italian-Inspired Comfort Food
I’ve always loved the rich flavors and aromas of Italian food. My journey started with a simple meatballs and spaghetti recipe. It led me to try new ingredients and techniques. Italian food is more than just ingredients; it’s about the comfort and warmth it brings.
My favorite dish is the Parmesan Meatballs & Orzo in Mozzarella Basil Cream Sauce. I found it on Inspired Taste. It’s a quick orzo pasta dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes. It uses fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and parmesan.
The orzo is cooked and mixed with a creamy sauce. The sauce is made from olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes.
Here are some key ingredients that make this dish special:
- 1 pound of ground beef with a fat content ratio of 80/20
- 1/2 cup of fresh parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of orzo pasta
- 2 cups of tomato basil sauce
This Italian-inspired comfort food is a staple in my home. I love trying new variations and ingredients. If you’re a fan of Italian food or just looking for a new recipe, join me on this culinary journey.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Parmesan Meatballs
To make perfect Parmesan meatballs, you need top-notch ingredients. A mix of lean ground beef and ground pork gives a 50/50 ratio. This makes the meatballs tender and full of flavor. I also add ½ cup of Parmesan cheese to boost moisture and taste.
The type of meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings are key. I mix 1 lb ground beef with 1/2 lb ground pork. I also add 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs and 2 heaping teaspoons of Italian seasonings. A large egg and 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt help the ingredients stick together.
Other important ingredients include 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest. The Italian seasonings, like basil and oregano, add a rich flavor. For more recipe ideas, check out this website.
Some key components of the meatballs include:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 heaping teaspoons Italian seasonings
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
These ingredients, along with the right amount of salt and pepper, make a delicious meatball. The quality of the cheese, like Parmesan, is also key for the perfect flavor and texture.
Crafting the Mozzarella Basil Cream Sauce
To make a rich mozzarella basil cream sauce, mix mozzarella cheese, heavy cream, and fresh basil. This sauce is key for the Parmesan meatballs and orzo. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare.
Quality ingredients like mozzarella and fresh basil are essential. I also make a roux to enhance the sauce’s texture and taste. To do this, I mix olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Then, I cook it until it’s golden brown.
Here are the main ingredients for the mozzarella basil cream sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or canned full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups fresh basil
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
The mozzarella basil cream sauce is great for many dishes, like pasta and meatballs. Its creamy texture makes it a hit at home. By using quality ingredients and following these steps, you can make a delicious sauce that will impress everyone.
The Art of Making Perfect Orzo
Cooking orzo to the perfect texture needs focus on temperature and timing. To get the al dente texture, using the right cooking methods is key. Orzo cooks fast, making it great for quick meals and casseroles.
Following the package instructions for cooking time and temperature is important. Orzo usually cooks in 8-10 minutes, but this can change based on the type and brand. To get the perfect texture, check the orzo often while it cooks. For more tips, visit the original dish website for orzo recipes like baked rosemary chicken meatballs with tomato orzo.
Some tips for cooking perfect orzo include using the right amount of liquid. Orzo can soak up a lot of water. Also, stir the orzo often to prevent it from sticking. For a creamy dish, try adding heavy cream or coconut milk, as in this creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe. By following these tips, you can make a delicious orzo dish.
With practice and patience, you can become an expert at making perfect orzo. Orzo is versatile and can be used in many dishes. By trying different cooking techniques and ingredients, you can create a unique orzo recipe that you’ll love.
Parmesan Meatballs & Orzo in Mozzarella Basil Cream Sauce: Step-by-Step Guide
To make this tasty dish, follow our easy recipe. It guides you through making meatballs, preparing the sauce, and putting it all together. First, heat your oven to 350°F. Next, mix 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef, 1 cup of Parmesan, 1/4 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, and other key ingredients for the meatballs.
Shape the meatball mix into about 40 small balls, each about 1 tablespoon big. Put them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they have space to cook evenly. Bake them for 10-15 minutes, until they’re cooked and lightly browned.
While the meatballs bake, start the sauce. Sauté 4-6 garlic cloves and 1 small shallot in olive oil and butter. Add 2 tablespoons of flour to make a roux. Then, mix in 2 cups of chicken broth, 1.5 cups of low-fat milk, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Let it simmer and thicken for a few minutes. Stir in 1/3 cup of Parmesan and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese until they’re fully mixed.
When the meatballs are ready, add them to the sauce. Let them simmer for a few minutes to soak up the flavors. Serve the meatballs and sauce over 12 oz of cooked orzo pasta. Top with 1/4 cup of minced parsley and 10 basil leaves cut into chiffonade. This recipe serves 6, with about 679 calories per serving.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make Parmesan meatballs and orzo in mozzarella basil cream sauce, you need certain tools. A pasta pot is key for cooking the orzo. A saucepan is needed for the cream sauce. You’ll also need a cutting board for chopping onion and garlic.
Other tools like a wooden spoon for stirring, a meatball scoop for forming, and a baking sheet for baking are helpful. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements.
- Pasta pot
- Saucepan
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Meatball scoop
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
Having these tools ready will help you make this tasty dish. Always choose high-quality tools for the best results.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Preparing Parmesan meatballs and orzo in mozzarella basil cream sauce is great because you can make it ahead. Follow these tips and instructions for storing it. You can keep it in the fridge or freezer, making meal planning easier.
Here are some tips for storing the dish:
- Refrigerate the cooked meatballs and orzo in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze the cooked meatballs and orzo for up to 3 months. When freezing, it’s essential to follow proper reheating guidelines to ensure food safety.
Reheating the dish is easy. Just warm the meatballs and orzo in the microwave or oven. Here are some reheating tips:
- Reheat the meatballs and orzo in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Reheat the meatballs and orzo in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
By using these tips, you can enjoy Parmesan meatballs and orzo in mozzarella basil cream sauce whenever you want.
These tips help you save time in the kitchen. You can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without hassle.
| Storage Method | Storage Time | Reheating Method |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerate | Up to 4 days | Microwave or oven |
| Freeze | Up to 3 months | Microwave or oven |
Wine Pairing Suggestions
Finding the perfect pairing is key. The flavors of your Parmesan meatballs and orzo in mozzarella basil cream sauce should match a great wine. Let me help you explore wine pairing options that will make your meal even better.
A medium-bodied red wine is perfect for this dish’s bold flavors. Try a lively Primitivo (or Zinfandel) or a smooth Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. They balance fruity notes and acidity well with the meatballs and sauce. You might also enjoy a Sangiovese or a Rhône blend.
For a white wine, a crisp Trebbiano or an oaked Chardonnay will highlight the sauce’s creaminess. For something elegant, a Ribolla Gialla or Vernaccia is a great choice.
