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Fresh Italian Meatballs and Sausage

Meatballs & Orzo in Pesto Cream Sauce

alarm
Total Time:
45 mins
school
Skill Level:
Intermediate
restaurant_menu
Servings:
4 Servings

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.

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

Ingredients


  • 16 oz. Carando Abruzzese Italian Style Meatballs16 oz.
  • 5 Tbsp. Olive oil, divided5 Tbsp.
  • 1/2 cup(s) Packed fresh basil1/2 cup(s)
  • 1 clove(s) Large garlic1 clove(s)
  • 1/2 cup(s) Plus 3 tablespoons, shredded parmesan cheese, divided1/2 cup(s)
  • 1 Tbsp. Walnut pieces1 Tbsp.
  • 2 Tsp. Lemon juice2 Tsp.
  • 1 1/2 cup(s) Orzo pasta1 1/2 cup(s)
  • 1/2 cup(s) Chopped sweet onion1/2 cup(s)
  • 16 Asparagus spears, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces ( 1 cup)16
  • 1 cup(s) Whole milk1 cup(s)
  • 2 Tsp. Flour2 Tsp.
  • 1 cup(s) Heavy cream1 cup(s)
  • 1 cup(s) Green peas1 cup(s)

Instructions


  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 Meatballs16 oz.
  • 5 Tbsp. Olive oil, divided5 Tbsp.
  • 1/2 cup(s) Packed fresh basil1/2 cup(s)
  • 1 clove(s) Large garlic1 clove(s)
  • 1/2 cup(s) Plus 3 tablespoons, shredded parmesan cheese, divided1/2 cup(s)
  • 1 Tbsp. Walnut pieces1 Tbsp.
  • 2 Tsp. Lemon juice2 Tsp.
  • 1 1/2 cup(s) Orzo pasta1 1/2 cup(s)
  • 1/2 cup(s) Chopped sweet onion1/2 cup(s)
  • 16 Asparagus spears, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces ( 1 cup)16
  • 1 cup(s) Whole milk1 cup(s)
  • 2 Tsp. Flour2 Tsp.
  • 1 cup(s) Heavy cream1 cup(s)
  • 1 cup(s) Green peas1 cup(s)

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