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Creamy Tuscan Orzo

Creamy Tuscan Orzo

Creamy Tuscan Orzo is a comforting and quick-to-make dish that combines tender orzo pasta with a velvety cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This one-pot meal offers a rich taste of Mediterranean flavors and is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to let it brown and become bitter.
  2. Toast the Orzo: Add dry orzo to the skillet and stir for 2-3 minutes to lightly toast the pasta, which enhances its nutty flavor.
  3. Add Liquids and Cook the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let the orzo simmer uncovered, stirring often, until it absorbs most of the liquid and becomes tender, about 10-12 minutes.
  4. Stir in Cream and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the heavy cream and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the orzo beautifully.
  5. Add Spinach and Parmesan: Fold fresh spinach into the pan and cook until just wilted. Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality orzo for best texture and flavor.
  • Use homemade chicken broth to amplify flavor if possible.
  • Add spinach at the end to keep its vibrant color and fresh taste.
  • Stir frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Adjust creaminess by adding more cream or broth according to preference.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian (can be made gluten-free if using gluten-free orzo)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Orzo, one pot meal, Italian comfort food, creamy orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach pasta