One-Pan Farro “Risotto” with Sausage-Style Chicken Meatballs, Spinach, and Tomato

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 0.5 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp fennel
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp dried parsley
• 0.5 tsp sweet paprika
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp Parmesan (Finely grated)
• 1.5 tbsp olive oil (½ tbsp for the meatballs and 1 tbsp for the farro)
• 1 onion (Small, diced)
• 2 garlic (Cloves, minced)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup pearled farro (Rinsed)
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 0.75 cup blended cannellini beans (Also described as white beans; blended)
• spinach (Chopped; amount not specified)
• Parmesan (For finishing; use generously)
• salt (To taste)
• black pepper (To taste)

Steps

1. 1

   In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, kosher salt, fennel, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, parsley, paprika, black pepper, finely grated Parmesan, and ½ tablespoon olive oil. Mix just until evenly seasoned, then shape into small meatballs.

2. 2

   Heat a large pan over medium heat and brown the meatballs until a golden crust forms on both sides. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

3. 3

   Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, then sauté the diced onion and minced garlic.

4. 4

   Add the tomato paste and cook it with the onion and garlic.

5. 5

   Add the rinsed pearled farro and toast for 2 minutes.

6. 6

   Add the canned diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then stir in the blended white beans.

7. 7

   Simmer uncovered according to the farro package instructions, until the grains begin to soften and the mixture turns creamy. The creator notes that their farro takes about 20 minutes.

8. 8

   Return the meatballs to the pan for the final 8–10 minutes of simmering, allowing them to finish cooking.

9. 9

   Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.

10. 10

    Season with salt and pepper to taste, then finish generously with Parmesan and serve.

Notes

The creator says the farro simmer time depends on the package instructions; theirs takes about 20 minutes. They mention doubling the meatball recipe and baking some for meal prep, but give no baking temperature or time.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• weeknight dinner
• one-pan
• Italian-inspired
• high-protein
• family-friendly
• stovetop
• comfort food