Creamy One-Pan Orzo Pasta Recipe (No Heavy Cream!)

Discover the ultimate orzo pasta recipe that brings comfort and convenience to your kitchen! This incredibly quick and easy dish is designed for busy parents and beginners alike.

Understanding the culinary science behind achieving rich, creamy textures without heavy cream can transform your cooking.

We achieve a surprisingly rich, creamy texture without any heavy cream, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. Get ready for a delicious, family-friendly dinner that truly comes together in just one pan.

Why You’ll Love This Orzo Pasta Recipe

This delightful orzo pasta recipe is a game-changer for your meal rotation. You will love how simple and satisfying it is.

• Fast and Simple Weeknight Meal: Whip up a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Requires Only One Pan: Enjoy minimal cleanup, making cooking even easier.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with fresh vegetables and plant-based protein, it is a meal you can feel good about.
• Incredibly Creamy Texture: Achieve a luxurious mouthfeel without any heavy cream, offering a guilt-free indulgence.
• Highly Versatile: Easily adapt this dish to suit various dietary needs or ingredient preferences.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh and pantry staples to create your creamy orzo pasta.

• 1 small onion
• 7oz / 200g orzo pasta / risoni
• 5oz / 140g grape or cherry tomatoes
• 2oz / 56g sun dried tomatoes plus one tablespoon of the oil
• 3 cups vegetable broth – I use low sodium
• 1 cup canned cannellini beans – drained
• 2 cups baby spinach
• ¾ cup milk – I use unsweetened soy milk
• 1.5oz / 45g freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves

Notes & Substitutions

Customize this creamy orzo pasta to your liking with these helpful tips.

• Orzo: To truly appreciate this dish, it’s helpful to learn more about orzo pasta and its culinary versatility. This small, rice-shaped pasta, also known as risoni, cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. It is what makes this orzo pasta recipe so unique.
• Tomatoes: Any small, juicy tomatoes like grape, cherry, or even diced Roma tomatoes work well to add sweetness.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: Opt for oil-packed varieties; the oil provides a depth of savory flavor.
• Broth: Chicken broth is a fine alternative to vegetable broth if you prefer a non-vegetarian option.
• Cannellini Beans: These add fantastic creaminess and a boost of protein, contributing to the dish’s hearty texture.
• Onion: Shallots or a couple of minced garlic cloves can also be used to build a flavorful base.
• Spinach: Feel free to swap baby spinach for chopped kale or Swiss chard, adding them slightly earlier to cook through.
• Parmesan: For a dairy-free version, use your favorite vegan grated cheese alternative.
• Milk: Any plant-based milk or regular dairy milk works to create the creamy sauce.
• Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this simple creamy orzo.

• One large saucepan or deep skillet (at least 10-12 inches)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious one-pan orzo pasta recipe.

Step 1: Prep Vegetables

Begin by preparing your fresh ingredients. Dice the small onion into fine pieces. Slice the grape or cherry tomatoes into quarters. Take your sun-dried tomatoes and chop them roughly. Finally, give your baby spinach a quick chop to ensure it incorporates easily later. This initial prep makes the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Place your large saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil and allow it to shimmer. Add the diced onion to the hot oil and sauté it for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Next, add the quartered tomatoes along with a generous pinch of salt. Cook them together for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened slightly and released some of their juices. This builds a flavorful base for your creamy orzo pasta.

Step 3: Toast Orzo

Stir the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the softened onion and tomato mixture. Don’t forget to add one tablespoon of the flavorful oil from the sun-dried tomato jar; this adds a wonderful richness. Now, add the orzo pasta to the pan. Sauté the orzo for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Toasting the pasta slightly before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and helps prevent it from becoming sticky.

Step 4: Simmer Pasta

Pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the drained cannellini beans. Add the dried oregano, then season the mixture generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes. The pasta should absorb most of the liquid and become almost al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

After the orzo is almost cooked, remove the lid. Stir in the chopped baby spinach, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and the milk. Continue to simmer for a few more minutes, stirring frequently. Watch as the spinach wilts down into the pasta and the cheese melts, integrating beautifully into the sauce. The liquid will continue to reduce, and the sauce should thicken up, becoming wonderfully creamy and luscious. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. If the pasta has dried out too much, you can add a splash more broth or milk.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Just before serving, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in a generous handful of fresh basil leaves. The residual heat will gently warm the basil, releasing its aromatic oils. Ladle your delicious creamy orzo pasta into individual bowls. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle with a bit more freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish! This easy orzo pasta recipe is perfect for any night of the week.

Pro Tips for Perfect Orzo Pasta

Achieve the best results with your creamy orzo pasta by following these expert tips.

• Avoid overcooking orzo: This small pasta cooks quickly; aim for al dente for the best texture.
• Maintain a low simmer: Cooking slowly prevents the broth from evaporating too rapidly, ensuring the pasta cooks evenly.
• Utilize sun-dried tomato oil: Don’t skip adding a tablespoon of the oil from the jar for an extra layer of savory flavor.
• Add spinach at the very end: Stirring in spinach just before the final simmer prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Use freshly grated parmesan: This melts much smoother and provides a superior, richer taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Make the most of your creamy orzo pasta with these ideas.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy orzo is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a refreshing side.

Storage

Store any leftover creamy orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the orzo on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring frequently.

Freezing

You can freeze this orzo pasta recipe for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop with a little extra liquid, as detailed above.

Variations

• Add Protein: Boost the protein by stirring in crispy pan-fried tofu, grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or flaked salmon at the end.
• Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting gluten-free orzo pasta or even using arborio rice for a creamy risotto-style dish.
• Extra Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by incorporating other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, diced zucchini, colorful bell peppers, or additional kale.

Nutrition Information

This creamy orzo pasta recipe provides a wholesome and balanced meal.

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.

FAQ

Got questions about this delicious creamy orzo pasta? We have answers.

• Is orzo pasta or rice? Orzo is actually a small pasta shape, known as pastina, which resembles grains of rice. Despite its appearance, it is definitely a type of pasta!
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Use a gluten-free orzo pasta or arborio rice for a risotto-like consistency. You might need to adjust liquid amounts and cooking times slightly.
• Can I add more protein to this dish? Yes, you can easily add protein. Try crispy tofu, grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or flaked salmon for extra sustenance.
• What can I substitute for cannellini beans? You can use other white beans like navy beans or butter beans for similar creaminess. Chickpeas could work but might slightly alter the creamy texture.
• What other vegetables can I add? Mushrooms, peas, zucchini, bell peppers, or even asparagus are fantastic additions that pair well with this creamy orzo pasta.

Conclusion

This creamy, one-pan orzo pasta recipe truly makes delicious cooking simple for everyone. It is incredibly quick, easy, and delivers a comforting, healthy meal without any fuss or heavy cream. We encourage you to try this delightful dish and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner. Share your creations with us and do not forget to leave a rating and review!