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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil The main ingredients form the base of the dish. Orzo pasta is small and cooks quickly. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich, tangy flavor. Dice a medium onion and mince three cloves of garlic. These add aromatic depth. Use three cups of vegetable broth as the cooking liquid. Dried basil and oregano give warm herbal notes. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. Finally, two tablespoons of olive oil bring everything together. - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Adding feta cheese can make it richer and creamier. If you like greens, toss in one cup of chopped baby spinach. The spinach wilts nicely into the warm orzo. For a fresh touch, garnish with basil leaves. This adds color and bright flavor. These optional ingredients enhance your dish and make it special. - Start by dicing one medium onion. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. - Mince three cloves of garlic. A garlic press makes this easy. - Heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and clear. - Stir often to keep the onion from burning. - Next, add the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute until it smells great. - Now, add one cup of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, one cup of orzo pasta, one teaspoon of dried basil, and one teaspoon of dried oregano. - Mix all the ingredients well until they are coated in oil. - Carefully pour in three cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil. - Once it boils, lower the heat to simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. - Stir occasionally until the orzo is soft and absorbs most of the liquid. - After cooking, remove the pot from heat. Add one cup of roughly chopped baby spinach and mix gently until it wilts. - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. - If you enjoy cheese, sprinkle half a cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. - Stir gently to mix the feta into the orzo. - Serve the dish warm. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. - Avoiding overcooking: To prevent mushy orzo, cook it just until tender. Stir often and check for doneness at 10 minutes. - Ensuring even flavor distribution: Mix the orzo with oil and spices before adding broth. This helps each piece soak up flavor. - Alternatives to sun-dried tomatoes: You can use fresh tomatoes or roasted peppers. Both add a nice flavor and color. - Non-dairy options for feta cheese: Try using tofu or cashew cheese. They provide a creamy texture without dairy. - Adding spices or herbs: Consider adding red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh parsley or thyme can add a fragrant touch. - Suggested toppings and sides: Serve with a side salad or crusty bread. A sprinkle of lemon juice brightens the dish. {{image_4}} You can add protein to your One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo for a heartier meal. Chicken is a great choice. Simply dice and cook it with the onions. Shrimp also works well. Add it when you mix in the broth. For a vegetarian or vegan twist, skip the cheese and add chickpeas. They add protein and texture. Changing the cheese can make a big difference. Try goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Parmesan also adds a nice touch. Seasonal vegetables can enhance the dish. In spring, add asparagus or peas. In fall, roasted butternut squash brightens the meal. You can turn this dish into a salad. Let the orzo cool, then mix in fresh greens and a light dressing. For a baked version, transfer the orzo to a baking dish. Top it with breadcrumbs and cheese, then bake until golden. This adds a crunchy texture, making it even more delightful. To keep your One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing it. This helps avoid condensation, which can make your orzo soggy. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, try freezing it. Portion the orzo into smaller containers, and freeze for up to three months. Just remember to label them with the date! When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is on the stove. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to help regain moisture. Heat it over medium-low until warmed through. Stir it often to keep the texture just right. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If stored properly, your One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo lasts in the fridge for about three days. In the freezer, it can stay good for three months. After that, the flavor and texture may start to fade. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy your cooking! Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish early. Store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. What can I serve with this dish? This orzo pairs well with a fresh salad, grilled chicken, or crusty bread. You can also add a side of roasted vegetables for extra taste. Is this dish healthy? Yes! This dish has good nutrients. It includes vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains. The spinach adds vitamins, and the sun-dried tomatoes offer antioxidants. How many calories per serving? Each serving has about 300 calories. This may vary based on added ingredients like feta cheese. Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, you can use other pasta types. Small shapes like couscous or small shells work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose. What is the best broth to use? Vegetable broth is great for flavor. You can also use chicken broth for a richer taste. Just pick a broth that fits your diet. This blog post covered how to make a delicious one-pot sun-dried tomato orzo. We explored the main ingredients, the cooking process, and helpful tips. You learned how to enhance flavors and add optional ingredients. Variations give you options to mix things up. Proper storage and reheating keep leftovers tasty. This dish is healthy, easy to make, and great for sharing. Try it out and enjoy your meal!

One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo

Discover the deliciousness of this One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Delight! This easy recipe combines orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach for a delightful meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's a flavorful, comforting dish that the whole family will love. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this one-pot wonder to your dinner table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups vegetable broth

1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and slightly tender, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

    Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring continuously until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

      Incorporate the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, orzo pasta, dried basil, and dried oregano into the pot. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated in the oil and spices.

        Carefully pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and allow it to simmer for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.

          After the orzo has cooked, remove the pot from heat. Gently fold in the chopped spinach until it wilts, and then season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

            If you’re a fan of cheese, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. Gently stir the dish to incorporate the feta throughout the orzo.

              Serve the orzo warm, elegantly garnished with fresh basil leaves for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal!

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4