Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo

$To make Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo, you need the following ingredients: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These simple ingredients come together to create a tasty dish. You can swap some ingredients for variety or dietary needs: - Use whole wheat or gluten-free orzo for a healthier option. - Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. - For a vegan option, replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. - If you don’t have spinach, try kale or Swiss chard. - Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for extra flavor. These swaps keep the dish fun and flexible. Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo has several dietary benefits: - It is a vegetarian dish, making it great for meatless meals. - You can easily adjust it to be vegan with simple swaps. - Using whole grain orzo adds fiber. - This dish is free from common allergens like nuts and shellfish. Always check the labels on packaged items to ensure they meet your dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the pot. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is tender. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it is done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Make sure to keep it warm. In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until it smells nice. Next, pour in a 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Stir this mixture and bring it to a simmer. Then, add 2 cups of fresh spinach. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts down. Now, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is creamy and well combined. Add the cooked orzo to the sauce and stir gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook together for 2-3 more minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend. Finally, remove the pot from heat and serve it hot. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. To cook orzo just right, use plenty of water. This helps keep the pasta from sticking. Remember to salt the water well; it adds flavor. Cook the orzo until it is al dente. This means it should have a slight bite to it. After cooking, drain it and set it aside. You can toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. This simple step makes a big difference. To boost creaminess, use heavy cream, which gives a rich texture. You can also add more cheese, like Parmesan, to deepen the flavor. Mixing in some cream cheese can add extra smoothness. If you want a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt. When you stir in these ingredients, do it on low heat. This keeps the cream from curdling and allows it to blend well. Garnishing makes your dish look pretty and adds flavor. Fresh basil leaves work great; they add a nice touch. You can tear them for a rustic look or chop them finely. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds a nice finish. If you want a little kick, add a dash of crushed red pepper. This can give extra flavor without overwhelming the dish. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Make sure to cook the orzo al dente, as it will continue to absorb liquid and soften when combined with the sauce. Creamy Consistency: For an extra creamy texture, whisk the heavy cream before adding it to the pot to help it blend smoothly into the sauce. Fresh Spinach Substitutes: If fresh spinach isn't available, you can use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish. Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a flavor boost that complements the tomatoes beautifully. {{image_2}} You can boost the protein in Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo easily. Try adding cooked chicken for a hearty meal. Simply shred some rotisserie chicken and stir it in when you mix the orzo. You can also use shrimp for a light touch. Just sauté shrimp in olive oil before adding them to the dish. If you prefer plant-based options, consider chickpeas or lentils. They add great texture and protein without meat. Making this dish vegetarian is simple, as the base is already meat-free. Just ensure you use vegetable broth. To make it vegan, swap the heavy cream and cheese for plant-based alternatives. Coconut cream works well for a rich flavor. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese, giving a cheesy taste without dairy. You can also add more vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, for extra nutrition. To elevate the flavors, think about adding herbs and spices. Fresh basil is a great start, but you can also use thyme or oregano. A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a nice kick. For a hint of smokiness, try adding smoked paprika. If you want a fresh taste, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the dish before serving. These enhancements make the orzo even more delicious and satisfying. Store your leftover creamy tomato spinach orzo in an airtight container. Let it cool down first. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often until warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to make sure it warms evenly. You can freeze creamy tomato spinach orzo for up to three months. Use a freezer-safe container and leave space for expansion. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet as mentioned above. Enjoy a quick meal without losing flavor! To make Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo vegan, swap the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Use a plant-based cream, like coconut cream or cashew cream. For cheese, you can use nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without milk. This way, you keep the dish creamy and tasty while making it vegan-friendly. Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with garlic bread for a crunchy bite. A fresh green salad with lemon dressing works great, too. If you like protein, grilled chicken or shrimp complements the orzo nicely. You can also add roasted vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. Yes! You can use different pasta shapes instead of orzo. Small shells, penne, or even fusilli work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Follow package instructions for cooking your pasta. The creamy sauce will still taste great with any shape you pick. In this blog post, I outlined how to make Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo. We started with the essential ingredients and shared tasty substitutions. I guided you through simple steps for cooking orzo and making a rich sauce. You learned tips for perfect cooking and ways to customize the dish with proteins or flavors. Lastly, I provided storage methods for leftovers. This dish is easy to adapt and makes a great meal. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!$

Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo

A delicious and creamy orzo pasta dish with fresh spinach and tomatoes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups fresh spinach
1 2 heavy cream
1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 3-4 minutes until wilted.
Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.
Add the cooked orzo to the pot, mixing everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Let the mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

Notes

Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword creamy, orzo, pasta, spinach, tomato