Looking for a quick, delicious weeknight meal? This one-pan orzo pasta recipe delivers incredible creaminess without any heavy cream! It’s packed with healthy vegetables and protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious option for busy families.
Many people wonder if orzo is pasta or rice, but this small shape is indeed a type of pasta. Learn more about understanding orzo pasta.
Orzo, a tiny rice-shaped pasta, cooks up beautifully in a flavorful broth, absorbing all the delicious seasonings. Get ready to enjoy this simple, comforting dish tonight.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Orzo Pasta
This easy orzo pasta recipe is designed for simplicity and incredible flavor. You’ll find yourself coming back to this dish again and again!
- Quick and Easy: Have a complete meal ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal dishes mean less cleanup and more time to relax.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with fresh vegetables and plant-based protein for a balanced meal.
- Incredible Creaminess: Cannellini beans are our secret weapon, creating a rich texture without heavy cream. These versatile legumes are known for their creamy texture and ability to enhance dishes without the need for heavy dairy. Discover more about the culinary uses and benefits of cannellini beans.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a light main course or a hearty, satisfying side dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this delightful orzo pasta recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- 1 small onion, diced
- 7oz / 200g orzo pasta (risoni)
- 5oz / 140g grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 2oz / 56g sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, plus one tablespoon of the oil from the jar
- 3 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup canned cannellini beans, drained
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- ¾ cup milk (unsweetened soy milk or your preferred milk)
- 1.5oz / 45g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this creamy orzo recipe to fit your pantry and preferences!
- Orzo: Cooking the orzo directly in the sauce ensures it absorbs all the wonderful flavors. No separate boiling needed!
- Tomatoes: Any fresh, juicy tomato variety works well here. You can even use canned diced tomatoes if fresh aren’t available.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The oil from the jar is key for extra savory depth. If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, try roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor.
- Broth: Feel free to use chicken broth if you’re not keeping this vegetarian.
- Cannellini Beans: White kidney beans, butter beans, or even chickpeas make great alternatives for creaminess and protein.
- Onion: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor. Add a clove or two of minced garlic for even more aroma.
- Spinach: Finely chopped kale or Swiss chard can replace baby spinach, just allow extra time for tougher greens to wilt.
- Parmesan: For a dairy-free option, use a vegan Parmesan alternative.
- Milk: Any plant-based or regular dairy milk will work to enhance the creamy texture of this healthy orzo recipe.
- Garnish: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens all the flavors beautifully.
Essential Equipment
You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools to whip up this easy orzo pasta recipe.
- A large saucepan or Dutch oven with a lid
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious orzo pasta recipe in no time! This beginner-friendly guide ensures a perfect result every time.
- Prepare the vegetables: Start by dicing your onion. Next, slice the grape or cherry tomatoes into quarters. Finally, chop the sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach into smaller pieces. This prep ensures everything cooks evenly.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook tomatoes: Stir in the quartered fresh tomatoes along with a pinch of salt. Cook them together for a few minutes over medium heat until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
- Toast pasta: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, along with one tablespoon of the oil from their jar, and the orzo pasta to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to lightly toast the orzo. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your creamy orzo pasta recipe.
- Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the drained cannellini beans, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook orzo: Cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is almost cooked but still quite al dente. The liquid should be mostly absorbed.
- Create creaminess: Stir in the chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, and milk. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another few minutes until the spinach has wilted and the cheese has melted into the sauce. The sauce should thicken up beautifully and become wonderfully creamy. This step creates the signature richness of this one-pan orzo recipe.
- Adjust and serve: Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. If the pasta has dried out too much, you can add a splash more broth or milk. Once ready to serve, stir in a handful of fresh basil leaves. Ladle your delicious creamy orzo pasta into bowls and garnish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Enjoy this comforting meal!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieve the best possible results with your creamy orzo pasta every time by following these helpful tips.
- Avoid overcooking: Keep an eye on the orzo to prevent it from becoming mushy; al dente is key for texture.
- Maintain low heat: Once simmering, keep the heat low to allow the orzo to cook gently and absorb the flavors.
- Utilize sun-dried tomato oil: Don’t skip adding the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes; it’s packed with savory flavor.
- Add spinach last: Stir in the spinach just before serving so it wilts but retains its vibrant green color and fresh taste.
- Freshly grated Parmesan: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal melting and superior flavor in this easy orzo recipe.
- Adjust liquid: Feel free to add a little more broth or milk if the sauce becomes too thick during cooking or reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not stirring enough: Orzo can stick to the bottom of the pan, so stir frequently, especially during the simmering stage.
- High heat: Cooking on high heat will cause the liquid to evaporate too quickly, leading to undercooked pasta.
- Overcrowding the pan: Using a pan that’s too small can prevent even cooking and proper liquid absorption.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This versatile orzo pasta recipe is perfect on its own or as part of a larger meal. Get creative with your additions!
- Serve as a light main: A generous bowl of this creamy orzo is incredibly satisfying for lunch or dinner.
- Hearty side: It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, or crispy baked tofu for a more robust meal.
- Gluten-free option: Easily make this dish gluten-free by swapping traditional orzo for a gluten-free orzo pasta or even arborio rice.
- Boost protein: Enhance the protein content by adding cooked chickpeas, lentils, crumbled lean ground meat, or flaked salmon.
- Add more vegetables: Incorporate other veggies like sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, diced zucchini, or finely chopped kale during cooking.
- Introduce a kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a pleasant warmth and subtle heat to the dish.
- Different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like tangy feta, creamy goat cheese, or smoked mozzarella for new flavor profiles.
Nutrition Information
This healthy orzo dish offers a balanced and nutritious meal option.
Per serving (4 servings total):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 394 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 63g |
| Protein | 19g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 7mg |
| Sodium | 234mg |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sugar | 10g |
This analysis highlights that this creamy orzo pasta recipe is a great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and plant-based protein, making it a wholesome choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about this delightful orzo pasta recipe.
- Is orzo pasta or rice? Orzo is actually a type of pasta, specifically a short-cut pasta called pastina. Its rice-like shape often confuses people!
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you certainly can! Simply use a gluten-free orzo pasta or even arborio rice for a similar texture.
- Can I add more protein? Absolutely. Cooked chicken, salmon, shrimp, tofu, or even more beans would be delicious additions.
- What can I substitute for cannellini beans? Navy beans, butter beans, or even chickpeas are excellent alternatives for that creamy texture.
- What other vegetables can I add? Feel free to experiment with mushrooms, peas, zucchini, bell peppers, or kale to boost the veggie content.
Conclusion
This creamy, one-pan orzo pasta recipe proves that comfort food can be both incredibly easy and healthy. It’s perfect for busy parents and beginners, delivering big flavors with minimal effort and no heavy cream. We know you’ll love the rich, satisfying taste and the simple cleanup. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite weeknight meal! Don’t forget to share your comments, ratings, and delicious recipe photos with us!