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tomato orzo and turkey goat cheese meatballs

Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword groung turkey, meatballs, orzo, pasta
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients

for the meatballs:

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 oz crumbled goat cheese
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsps chimichurri sauce see notes for recipe // can sub store bought pesto
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp italian seasoning
  • healthy pinch salt and pepper

for the orzo:

  • ¼ cup butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 sweet onion diced
  • 2 cups diced carrots
  • 1 tsp italian seasoning
  • healthy pinch salt and pepper
  • 1 (28oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15oz)can coconut milk
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 6 oz dry orzo
  • for serving: grated parm, minced basil, and slices of freshly baked bread

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Add all meatball ingredients to a medium bowl then combine using your hands and mix until everything is evenly distributed then form mixture into 1-inch sized meatballs. Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet then bake in the oven until insides are no longer pink, about 20-25 minutes.
  3. Heat butter in a dutch oven or large deep skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic, diced onions, diced carrots, italian seasoning, and a healthy pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat then saute until garlic and onions are fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Next add in crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, chicken broth, and dry orzo then stir well. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer (uncovered) for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and sauce has thickened.
  5. Finally, add in the cooked meatballs then give it a few stirs. Divide between bowls and serve with grated parm, minced basil, and a slice or two of your favorite fresh bread!

Recipe Notes

optional chimichurri sauce (makes about 1 cup):
1 bunch fresh parsley, minced
½ cup olive oil
2 tbsps red-wine vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp crushed red pepper
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground pepper

DIRECTIONS: Add all chimichurri ingredients to the bowl of your food processor then pulse until smooth and ingredients are completely incorporated.