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Creamy Tuscan Orzo

Creamy Tuscan Orzo

Creamy Tuscan Orzo is a comforting and elegant pasta dish combining tender orzo with a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Italian herbs. Quick and easy to prepare, this flavorful recipe works perfectly for both casual weeknights and sophisticated gatherings, delivering a colorful and satisfying meal that’s versatile and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta & Broth

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth (warm)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil and oregano) or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
  2. Toast and Cook the Orzo: Add 1 cup of dry orzo to the skillet and stir with the aromatics for about one minute to lightly toast the pasta. Pour in 2 ½ cups of warm chicken or vegetable broth and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  3. Add Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Fold in 1 cup of fresh spinach and ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until the spinach wilts, enhancing the dish with fresh color and vibrant flavors.
  4. Stir in Cream, Cheese, and Herbs: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half, then add ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan and 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs (basil and oregano). Stir gently until the sauce thickens slightly and evenly coats the orzo.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasonings with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. Serve the Creamy Tuscan Orzo piping hot, garnished with preferred toppings such as fresh parsley, basil, toasted pine nuts, or crispy prosciutto.

Notes

  • Use warm broth to help the orzo cook evenly and absorb more flavor.
  • Do not overcook the orzo; aim for al dente to avoid mushiness.
  • Fresh herbs brighten the flavor—use fresh basil and oregano when possible.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for better melting and richer taste.
  • Add cream on low heat to keep the sauce silky and prevent curdling.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian (can be made vegan or dairy-free with substitutions)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Orzo, Orzo recipe, Tuscan pasta, creamy pasta dish, garlic orzo, spinach orzo