Welcome to a truly effortless weeknight meal! This creamy orzo pasta recipe comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze and dinner ready in about 30 minutes. It’s packed with wholesome veggies and protein, delivering a comforting dish without any heavy cream. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy versatile orzo pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Orzo Pasta Recipe
- Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: This entire meal cooks in one pan in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy evenings.
- Minimal Cleanup: Say goodbye to stacks of pots and pans. Our one-pan method ensures a hassle-free cooking experience.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Loaded with fresh vegetables and plant-based protein, this orzo dish is nutritious and satisfying.
- Incredibly Versatile: Easily adapt this recipe with your favorite proteins or seasonal vegetables. It’s a fantastic base for many orzo pasta meals.
- Naturally Creamy Texture: Cannellini beans are the secret to its luscious, velvety texture, no heavy cream needed!
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious creamy orzo pasta recipe:
- 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 (low sodium recommended)
- 1 cup canned cannellini beans, drained
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¾ cup milk (unsweetened soy milk used here)
- 1.5oz / 45g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
- Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. Its small size makes for a wonderfully creamy texture.
- Grape/Cherry Tomatoes: They burst with fresh sweetness and release juices for a natural sauce. Regular diced tomatoes also work well.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a rich, tangy, and slightly smoky depth. Use the oil from the jar for extra flavor. Roasted red peppers are a good alternative.
- Vegetable Broth: This forms the flavorful base for simmering. Chicken broth is an easy substitute if you prefer.
- Cannellini Beans: Our secret to an incredible creaminess and a boost of plant-based protein. Rich in protein and fiber, cannellini beans offer numerous health benefits beyond their creamy texture. health benefits of cannellini beans Chickpeas, navy beans, or butter beans are excellent alternatives.
- Onions & Olive Oil: They create the essential aromatic foundation. Feel free to add minced garlic with the onions for more flavor.
- Baby Spinach: Adds nutrients, vibrant color, and wilts quickly. Chopped kale or Swiss chard are good leafy green alternatives.
- Parmesan Cheese: Provides a savory, umami flavor and melts wonderfully. Use a vegan parmesan for a dairy-free version.
- Milk: Contributes to the dish’s creaminess without being too heavy. Any plant-based or dairy milk works perfectly.
- Herbs (Oregano, Fresh Basil): Oregano offers earthy notes, while fresh basil brightens the finish. Don’t skip the fresh garnish!
Equipment
You won’t need much to whip up this easy creamy orzo pasta dish. Grab these kitchen essentials:
- A large saucepan or pot with a lid
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
Let’s create your delicious creamy orzo pasta recipe with these simple, step-by-step instructions.
- Prep vegetables: Begin by dicing your onion. Quarter the grape or cherry tomatoes. Roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes and the baby spinach. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smooth and fast.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in your large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes: Stir the quartered fresh tomatoes into the saucepan with a pinch of salt. Continue to cook for a few more minutes, stirring, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
- Toast orzo: Now, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, along with one tablespoon of the flavorful oil from their jar. Add the orzo pasta (risoni) to the pan. Sauté everything together for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This brief toasting step helps develop a deeper flavor in the pasta.
- Simmer pasta: Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the drained cannellini beans and the oregano. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is almost cooked through but still quite al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish creaminess: Remove the lid. Stir in the chopped baby spinach, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and milk. Continue to simmer gently for a few more minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach has wilted and the Parmesan cheese has fully melted into the sauce. The sauce should naturally thicken and become wonderfully creamy.
- Adjust and serve: Taste the creamy orzo pasta for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce has dried out too much, add a splash more vegetable broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Once ready to serve, stir in a handful of fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness. Ladle your delicious creamy orzo pasta into bowls, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, and enjoy immediately!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Avoid Overcooking Orzo: Orzo cooks quickly, similar to rice. Watch it closely to prevent it from becoming mushy. Al dente is key for the best texture in any orzo pasta recipe.
- Maintain Low Simmer: Cooking slowly and gently ensures the orzo absorbs the liquid evenly, leading to a perfectly tender texture without breaking down.
- Use Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Don’t discard that flavorful oil! It’s packed with concentrated tomato taste, adding wonderful depth to your creamy orzo.
- Add Spinach Last: Stir in the spinach right at the end. This prevents it from overcooking and ensures vibrant color and fresh texture.
- Freshly Grate Parmesan: Skip the pre-shredded cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and offers superior flavor for your orzo pasta.
- Troubleshooting: If your sauce is too dry, simply stir in a splash more broth or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency. If pasta is sticking, stir more frequently during simmering.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
This creamy orzo pasta is hearty enough to be a fantastic main dish on its own. For a complete meal, serve it alongside grilled tofu, chicken, shrimp, or baked salmon bites. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty artisan bread makes a perfect accompaniment.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover creamy orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of extra vegetable broth or water to restore its creamy texture. You can also microwave it, though it might lose some of its original creaminess.
- Freeze: While possible, freezing is not recommended as the pasta texture can change. If you must, freeze for up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating with added liquid.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Easily adapt this by using gluten-free orzo or a small gluten-free pasta shape. For a risotto-style dish, you can use Arborio rice, adjusting liquid and cooking time.
- Add Protein: Integrate cooked grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy baked tofu for extra protein. This is a great way to make this orzo pasta recipe even heartier.
- Different Beans: Explore other white beans like navy beans or butter beans for similar creamy results.
- More Veggies: Boost the nutrition and flavor with sliced mushrooms, peas, diced zucchini, bell peppers, or chopped kale during the simmering stage.
Nutrition
Enjoy this healthy and comforting creamy orzo dish knowing it’s packed with goodness.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Protein | 18g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sugar | 7g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
FAQ
- Is orzo pasta or rice? Orzo is actually a type of pasta, specifically a “pastina” shape, which means small pasta. Orzo, a popular pasta shape in the Mediterranean basin, is classified as a pastina, or “little pasta.” pasta shape known as orzo It gets its name because its shape resembles a grain of rice.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, absolutely! Simply substitute regular orzo pasta with a gluten-free orzo or another small gluten-free pasta variety.
- Can I add more protein to this dish? Definitely! Stir in cooked diced chicken, shrimp, or crumbled firm tofu during the last few minutes of cooking to boost the protein content of your orzo pasta.
- What can I substitute for cannellini beans? You can easily use other white beans like navy beans or butter beans for a similar creamy texture and nutritional profile.
- What other vegetables can I add? Feel free to experiment with sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, bell peppers, or even frozen peas. Add hardier vegetables earlier to ensure they cook through.
Conclusion
This creamy orzo pasta recipe truly delivers on simplicity, speed, and incredible flavor. It’s a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can create a healthy, satisfying, one-pan comfort meal for the whole family. We encourage you to try this delightful dish and experience the magic of one-pan orzo pasta. Make it tonight, share your creations with us, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!