Baked Turkey and Spinach Meatballs with Orzo
- Level: Easy
- Yield: 4 servings
-
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Calories
- 542
- Total Fat
- 20 grams
- Saturated Fat
- 8 grams
- Cholesterol
- 146 milligrams
- Sodium
- 890 milligrams
- Carbohydrates
- 53 grams
- Dietary Fiber
- 7 grams
- Sugar
- 3 grams
- Protein
- 39 grams
- Total: 40 min
- Active: 40 min
Ingredients
1 5-ounce package baby spinach (about 8 cups)
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 pound ground turkey
3/4 cup panko
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup orzo
1 1/2 cups frozen artichoke quarters, coarsely chopped
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Directions
- Position a rack in the upper third of the oven; preheat to 425˚ F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine half of the spinach, the onion and garlic in a food processor; pulse to make a coarse paste. Transfer all but 1/4 cup of the paste to a large bowl.
- Add the turkey, panko, egg and 1/4 cup Parmesan to the bowl. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and mix to combine. Form into 12 meatballs and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs until golden and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Switch the oven to broil and broil the meatballs until browned on top, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the orzo and artichokes and cook, stirring, until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the reserved 1/4 cup spinach paste, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper; stir to coat the orzo. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the broth is absorbed and the orzo is saucy but still al dente, about 10 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water and the remaining spinach; bring to a simmer, uncovered. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts but is still bright green, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.
- Divide the orzo among shallow bowls. Top with the meatballs.