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One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Orzo

One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Orzo
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One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Orzo is a quick and comforting skillet meal combining tender orzo pasta with creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers rich flavor and minimal cleanup with a vibrant Tuscan flair.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Protein Add-ins

  • 1 cup cooked grilled chicken, sausage, or shrimp (optional)

Optional Variations

  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra veggies
  • Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for spicy kick
  • Dairy-free: substitute cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté until fragrant and the tomatoes soften, releasing their tangy sweetness to form the base flavor.
  2. Toast the Orzo: Add dry orzo to the pan and stir continuously for 2 minutes to toast it lightly. This enhances its nutty flavor and improves texture.
  3. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in vegetable or chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 to 12 minutes.
  4. Stir in Spinach and Cheese: Fold in fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook just until spinach wilts and cheese melts into the sauce, creating a silky, creamy finish.
  5. Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning or fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before plating.

Notes

  • Use low and slow heat to prevent burning and ensure orzo softens perfectly.
  • Reserve a little broth before adding all liquid to loosen sauce if it thickens too much later.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
  • Add spinach last to keep its bright color and nutrients intact.
  • Deglaze pan with a splash of broth after sautéing garlic and tomatoes to lift flavorful browned bits.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy orzo, Tuscan orzo, one-pan pasta, easy weeknight dinner, creamy spinach pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/one-pan-creamy-tuscan-orzo/