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To make this One-Pot Creamy Orzo Dinner, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s the list: - One cup of orzo pasta - One tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - One small onion, finely chopped - Two cloves garlic, minced - One cup baby spinach, roughly chopped - One cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Two cups vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended) - One cup heavy cream - One teaspoon dried Italian herb blend (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Half a cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a rich and creamy flavor. The orzo pasta is the base. It cooks up soft and absorbs all the tasty broth. The olive oil adds a smooth richness, while the onion and garlic give depth to the dish. The baby spinach brings a fresh touch and color. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst. The vegetable broth makes everything moist and flavorful. Heavy cream gives it that creamy texture you desire. The dried herbs tie everything together, while Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor. Finally, fresh basil leaves make for a perfect garnish. With these ingredients, you can create a meal that is both comforting and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 1 small finely chopped onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it is translucent. - Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté briefly for 1 minute to bring out the flavor. - Now, it is time to add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the pot. - Toast the orzo for 2 minutes while stirring often. This step adds a nice nutty flavor. - Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well to combine. - Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10 minutes. - Stir occasionally until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. - After the orzo is cooked, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. - Add 1 cup of roughly chopped baby spinach and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. - Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of the dried Italian herb blend. Mix everything well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. - Remove the pot from heat and fold in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. - Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce. - Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to thicken. - Serve the creamy orzo in deep bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Enjoy! - Ensure the orzo is lightly toasted: To start, toast the orzo in olive oil. This step adds a nutty flavor. Stir it for about two minutes until it gets a light golden color. - Stir frequently to prevent sticking: Keep your orzo moving! Stir it often while it cooks. This helps to prevent clumping and sticking to the bottom of the pot. - Suggestions for additional herbs and spices: You can add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick. Experiment with spices like paprika or cumin to add depth. - Options for adding protein: Want to make it heartier? Try adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms. These will elevate the dish and make it more filling. - Best practices for plating the dish: Use deep bowls for serving. This makes it look inviting and keeps the creamy orzo warm. - Garnishing ideas for visual appeal: Top your dish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. This not only looks good but adds fresh flavors too. For a rustic touch, serve with crusty bread on the side. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor profile of your dish. Opt for organic cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach when possible. Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Customize with Proteins: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost and make the dish more filling. Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance. Simply reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Try substituting vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or peas. These add color and flavor. You can also use plant-based creams, like coconut cream or cashew cream, to keep it creamy without dairy. They provide a nice richness. Want to add protein? Chicken, turkey, or shrimp work well. For chicken or turkey, cook bite-sized pieces in the pot before adding the orzo. This gives great flavor. For shrimp, add them in during the last few minutes of cooking. They cook quickly and blend nicely with the dish. If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free pasta. Brown rice or quinoa pasta are good choices. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly. To keep that creamy texture, add extra plant-based cream or a splash of vegetable broth. This ensures you still enjoy a rich, satisfying meal. To keep your creamy orzo fresh, you should refrigerate or freeze it. If you plan to eat it within a few days, place the leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the orzo to room temperature first. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Label each container with the date. When reheating, you want to keep the creaminess. The best way is to use a stovetop. Add a splash of broth or cream to help keep it moist. Heat on low, stirring often to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave, but cover it loosely to let steam escape. This prevents overcooking, which can make it dry. In the fridge, your one-pot creamy orzo will last about 3-5 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 2-3 months. However, the texture may change after thawing. Always check for any off smells or signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can make this orzo dish a day before. Cook it and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it gently. If you want a lighter dish, use half-and-half or whole milk. You could also try coconut milk for a dairy-free option. These swaps will change the flavor a bit but still taste great. To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk. This keeps it creamy. Heat on low in a pot, stirring often. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it may dry out the orzo. You can easily double this recipe. Just use a larger pot. The cooking time may stay the same, but check for doneness. Stir more often to avoid sticking. This creamy orzo goes well with a simple green salad. You can also serve it with grilled chicken or fish. Garlic bread adds a nice touch too. This blog post covered a tasty creamy orzo dish. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance your meal. I shared ways to store leftovers and reheat them without losing flavor. In conclusion, this dish is easy to make and can fit any diet. With simple changes, you can enjoy it your way. Give it a try, and you may discover a new favorite recipe!

One-Pot Creamy Orzo Delight

A creamy and flavorful orzo dish cooked in one pot, featuring spinach, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and tender.
  • Incorporate the minced garlic into the pot and continue to sauté for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant aroma.
  • Next, add the orzo pasta to the pot. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Carefully pour in the vegetable broth and mix well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Once the orzo is done, stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and the dried Italian herb blend. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and everything is warmed through.
  • Remove the pot from heat, and gently fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season the dish with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, stirring until the cheese is melted and creamy.
  • Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes off the heat to thicken slightly, then serve warm.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keyword creamy, one pot, orzo, vegetarian