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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 comforting and effortless Italian-inspired meal featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, shallots, and fresh herbs. This dish combines bold flavors and creamy texture in a single skillet, perfect for quick weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup. It’s versatile, adaptable to vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and protein-packed variations, making it a deliciously simple and satisfying choice.

Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo pasta (use gluten-free orzo for gluten-free option)
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (warm)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Optional Proteins & Variations

  • Grilled chicken, Italian sausage, seared shrimp, or shredded rotisserie chicken
  • Mushrooms or chickpeas (for vegetarian protein)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika (for a spicy kick)
  • Coconut milk and nutritional yeast (for dairy-free version)
  • Kale or Swiss chard (to add more greens)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallots and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. This builds a flavorful base for the dish.
  2. Toast the orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and toast lightly, stirring frequently for 1-2 minutes to release a subtle nutty flavor and help the orzo absorb liquids evenly.
  3. Add liquids and sun-dried tomatoes: Pour in the warm broth and cream, then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  4. Fold in spinach and cheese: Stir in fresh spinach leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, creating a creamy and cohesive sauce.
  5. Season and finish: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs such as basil and thyme for brightness. If using cooked protein, add it now to heat through before serving.

Notes

  • Use warm or room temperature broth to ensure even cooking and maintain pan temperature.
  • Stir gently but often during simmering to prevent sticking and promote a silky sauce.
  • Add spinach near the end to preserve its vibrant green color and nutrients.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese finely for smooth melting and even distribution.
  • For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of broth slightly; add more cream for extra richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Orzo, Tuscan Orzo, creamy pasta, one-pan dinner, Italian pasta, quick weeknight meal, gluten-free pasta dish, vegetarian Tuscan orzo, dairy-free Tuscan orzo

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