Lemon Thyme Meatballs with Creamy Pumpkin Orzo
Lemon Thyme Meatballs with Creamy Pumpkin Orzo is the ultimate comfort food that combines succulent meatballs infused with fresh lemon and thyme, served over a creamy pumpkin orzo. This dish is not only delicious but also evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. Its vibrant flavor profile will impress your loved ones and leave them asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix ground meat, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Form into small meatballs (about 1 inch) and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of at least 165°F).
- Meanwhile, cook orzo in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- In a saucepan, combine pumpkin puree, heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper over medium heat until smooth.
- Add cooked orzo to sauce and mix well. Gently fold in baked meatballs until coated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg