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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient brings its own taste and texture to this dish. Orzo pasta gives a nice bite. Vegetable broth adds depth, while cherry tomatoes offer a sweet burst of flavor. Fresh spinach not only enhances nutrition but also brings a lovely color. The cream makes the dish rich and smooth, perfect for any weeknight meal. Garlic adds a savory note that pairs well with the tomatoes. Olive oil helps cook the garlic and gives a nice finish. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, and fresh basil adds a bright touch at the end. This mix of ingredients makes Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo a quick, flavorful meal. You can adjust the recipe based on what you have at home. Try adding more greens or different cheeses to suit your taste! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by boiling the vegetable broth in a medium pot. 2. Once it boils, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. 3. Cook the orzo for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir it often until it feels firm but tender. 1. While the orzo cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. 2. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes. It should smell good and turn slightly golden. 3. Now, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes. Stir them occasionally until they soften and release their juices. 1. Once the orzo is ready, drain any excess broth. Then, add the orzo to the skillet with the tomatoes. 2. Gently mix in 2 cups of chopped spinach. Let it wilt for 2 to 3 minutes. 3. Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything blends well. 4. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper. This dish comes together quickly and offers rich flavors. Enjoy it as a weeknight meal! - Achieving perfect al dente orzo: To cook orzo just right, watch the clock. Boil it for 8-10 minutes until it feels firm but not hard. Stir it as it cooks. This keeps it from sticking together. If you cook it too long, it will get mushy. - Sautéing garlic without burning: Heat your olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir it for 1-2 minutes. Watch for a light golden color. If it turns brown, it will taste bitter. Remove it from the heat as soon as it smells good. - Best serving suggestions: For a lovely look, serve the orzo in shallow bowls. This allows the creamy sauce to shine. Add a nice scoop of the orzo mix in the center. - Garnishing ideas: Finish with fresh basil leaves on top. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast. This makes the dish pop with color and flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your dish. Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo while cooking to avoid overcooking; it should be al dente for the best texture. Adjust Creaminess: For a creamier dish, feel free to add more heavy cream or coconut cream to suit your taste. Garnish Wisely: Adding fresh basil not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of fresh flavor; consider adding a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness. {{image_4}} Vegan substitutions You can easily make this dish vegan. Simply swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. This keeps the dish creamy and adds a nice cheesy flavor. Gluten-free options For a gluten-free version, replace the orzo pasta with gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta. Always check that your broth is gluten-free. This ensures everyone can enjoy this meal without worry. Additional vegetables to add Feel free to add other vegetables for more flavor. Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms work great. Just chop them small and add them when you cook the tomatoes. They will blend nicely with the creamy sauce. Herbs and spices for extra flavor You can spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can boost the taste too. Experiment with what you like to make this dish your own. To keep your creamy tomato spinach orzo fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out. It works best to refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. In the fridge, it lasts about three to four days. Always check for any off smells before eating. When reheating, use gentle heat to keep the texture nice. You can heat it on the stove with a splash of broth or cream. Stir often to avoid sticking. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For freezing, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat frozen orzo, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the reheating tips above for the best results. Yes, you can make this creamy tomato spinach orzo ahead of time. Cook the orzo and prepare the sauce as usual. Before serving, store the dish in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, gently reheat it on the stove. You might need to add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes. Try ditalini, or small shells. You can even use rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. To add some heat, try adding red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to your taste. Enjoy the kick! This recipe for creamy orzo with spinach blends tasty ingredients like orzo pasta, fresh tomatoes, and garlic. You learned how to cook the orzo perfectly, prepare a delicious sauce, and combine it all for a delightful dish. With tips on storing and serving, you can enjoy it multiple ways. Experiment with flavors and adapt it to fit your diet. Keep enjoying your cooking adventures, and don’t hesitate to share this dish with friends!

Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo Delight

A delicious and creamy orzo pasta dish with fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing the vegetable broth to a boil in a medium-sized pot. Once boiling, carefully add the orzo pasta. Cook the orzo for approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an al dente texture.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.
  • Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Allow them to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to release their juices.
  • Once the orzo is cooked, drain any excess broth and transfer the orzo to the skillet with the sautéed tomatoes.
  • Gently fold in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt for about 2-3 minutes as the residual heat cooks it.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option). Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and well-combined. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves just before serving to add a vibrant touch.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with extra basil and cheese on top.
Keyword creamy, orzo, pasta, spinach, vegetarian