Skip to main content
Carando
Dinner

Meatballs & Orzo in Pesto Cream Sauce

Check out this orzo recipe with meatballs. Using Carando's meatballs you are sure to be able to add authentic Italian flavor to any meal.

Check out this orzo recipe with meatballs. Using Carando's meatballs you are sure to be able to add authentic Italian flavor to any meal.

Share:
Pinterest
Print:
Meatballs & Orzo in Pesto Cream Sauce
alarm
Total Time:
45 mins
school
Skill Level:
Intermediate
restaurant_menu
Servings:
4 Servings

Ingredients


Product ImageAbruzzese Italian Style Meatballs
16 oz.
Carando Abruzzese Italian Style Meatballs
16 oz.
5 Tbsp.
Olive oil, divided
5 Tbsp.
1/2 cup(s)
Packed fresh basil
1/2 cup(s)
1 clove(s)
Large garlic
1 clove(s)
1/2 cup(s)
Plus 3 tablespoons, shredded parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 cup(s)
1 Tbsp.
Walnut pieces
1 Tbsp.
2 Tsp.
Lemon juice
2 Tsp.
1 1/2 cup(s)
Orzo pasta
1 1/2 cup(s)
1/2 cup(s)
Chopped sweet onion
1/2 cup(s)
16
Asparagus spears, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces ( 1 cup)
16
1 cup(s)
Whole milk
1 cup(s)
2 Tsp.
Flour
2 Tsp.
1 cup(s)
Heavy cream
1 cup(s)
1 cup(s)
Green peas
1 cup(s)

Directions


  1. Using a large, deep-sided skillet, cook meatballs in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until internal temperature reaches at least 165ºF. Remove meatballs from skillet.

  2. Combine remaining 3 tablespoons oil, basil, garlic, 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, walnuts and lemon juice in food processor or blender. Pulse until finely minced.

  3. Cook orzo according to package directions; drain.

  4. Meanwhile, sauté onion for 3 minutes over medium-high heat using same skillet meatballs were cooked in. Add asparagus; sauté 3 minutes.

  5. Whisk together milk and flour. Add milk to onion and asparagus; cook and stir until just starts to thicken. Stir in pesto and heavy cream until well blended.

  6. Stir in meatballs, orzo and peas; continue cooking until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.

Life is Delicious. Savor It.

Ingredients


16 oz.
Carando Abruzzese Italian Style Meatballs
16 oz.
5 Tbsp.
Olive oil, divided
5 Tbsp.
1/2 cup(s)
Packed fresh basil
1/2 cup(s)
1 clove(s)
Large garlic
1 clove(s)
1/2 cup(s)
Plus 3 tablespoons, shredded parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 cup(s)
1 Tbsp.
Walnut pieces
1 Tbsp.
2 Tsp.
Lemon juice
2 Tsp.
1 1/2 cup(s)
Orzo pasta
1 1/2 cup(s)
1/2 cup(s)
Chopped sweet onion
1/2 cup(s)
16
Asparagus spears, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces ( 1 cup)
16
1 cup(s)
Whole milk
1 cup(s)
2 Tsp.
Flour
2 Tsp.
1 cup(s)
Heavy cream
1 cup(s)
1 cup(s)
Green peas
1 cup(s)

Suggested Recipes

French Onion Abruzzese Meatballs
alarm
1 hr 25 mins
school
Beginner
restaurant_menu
6 Servings
alarm1 hr 25 mins
schoolBeginner
restaurant_menu6 Servings

French Onion Abruzzese Meatballs
Abruzzese Meatball and Cheese Tortellini Skewers
alarm
30 mins
school
Beginner
restaurant_menu
4 Servings
alarm30 mins
schoolBeginner
restaurant_menu4 Servings

Mostaccioli and Abruzzese Meatball Casserole
alarm
50 mins
school
Beginner
restaurant_menu
6 Servings
alarm50 mins
schoolBeginner
restaurant_menu6 Servings

Carando
Join Our Conversation
Join the ClubJoin our Friends and Family club for exclusive deals and personalized recipes straight to your inbox!
By providing your email address, you are signing up to receive email newsletters about Smithfield’s latest products, promotions and related news. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in any of our emails. We will process your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy© 2026 Smithfield Foods, Inc. All rights reserved.