Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo

$Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo is a rich, tasty dish. It takes about 25 minutes to make. This recipe serves four people. You can find the full recipe below. - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream - 4 cups fresh spinach - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish These ingredients come together to create a creamy and comforting meal. The orzo pasta adds a delightful texture. Fresh spinach gives it a vibrant green color. The tomatoes and cream combine for a rich flavor that is hard to resist. Each bite offers a taste of home. 1. Heating olive oil and cooking onion Start by taking a large pot and heating two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one diced onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and clear. 2. Adding garlic, tomatoes, and vegetable broth Next, stir in three minced garlic cloves. Cook for one minute until you smell the garlic. Then, add one can of diced tomatoes with their juices and two cups of vegetable broth. Bring this to a boil. 3. Cooking the orzo Once your mixture boils, add one cup of orzo pasta. Turn the heat down to a simmer. Cook the orzo for about 8-10 minutes or until it is soft but not mushy. 1. Stirring in cream and spinach After cooking the orzo, it’s time to add one cup of heavy cream or coconut cream. Stir well to mix it with the tomatoes and orzo. Then, add four cups of fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes. 2. Adding Parmesan and seasoning Now, mix in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast if you want a vegan option. Add one teaspoon of dried oregano and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. 1. Letting the dish thicken Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the dish thicken and makes it creamier. 2. Serving suggestions Serve the creamy tomato spinach orzo in wide, shallow bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves on top. For a complete meal, enjoy it with crusty bread. You can find the Full Recipe to guide you through all the steps. To get perfect orzo texture, follow a few simple steps. First, use plenty of water for boiling. This helps the orzo cook evenly. Stir the pasta often to prevent it from sticking together. Cook until just tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remember, you want it al dente, so don’t overdo it. For sautéing spinach, heat your pan before adding oil. This helps the spinach wilt quickly, keeping its bright green color. Add a pinch of salt to draw out moisture and enhance the flavor. Cook until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Herbs can take your dish to the next level. Fresh basil and oregano work great with this orzo. Add them at the end for a fresh taste. You can also use dried herbs, but reduce the amount slightly. For spice adjustments, try adding more red pepper flakes if you love heat. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors too. Just a little can make a big difference. One common mistake is overcooking the orzo. Keep an eye on the timer to ensure it’s just right. Remember, it will continue to cook in the sauce. Another pitfall is misjudging seasoning levels. Always taste as you go. Start with a little salt and pepper, then adjust based on your preference. This way, you can create a dish that suits your taste perfectly. {{image_2}} You can easily change this recipe to fit your needs. If you want a vegan dish, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It gives a nice, creamy texture and a hint of sweetness. For pasta, orzo is great, but you can swap it for gluten-free pasta. Rice or quinoa works too if you want to try something new. Add fun flavors by mixing in proteins like chicken or shrimp. Cook them before you add the garlic and onion for a tasty twist. You can also use different herbs and spices. Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme can add a fresh kick. Want heat? Try adding more red pepper flakes or some chili powder for a spicy touch. If you are looking for gluten-free options, swap orzo for a gluten-free pasta. There are many good brands out there. To lighten the dish, use less cream. You can cut it by half or use more vegetable broth. This keeps the flavor while making the meal a bit healthier. After you enjoy your Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo, store any leftovers in the fridge. Let the dish cool down first, then transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents it from drying out. If you have a large batch, divide it into smaller portions. This way, you can grab a quick meal later. To reheat your orzo, use a pot on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to help it stay creamy. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often. This helps keep the texture smooth. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to trap steam. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to save the orzo for later, freezing works well. Cool it completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as it will expand when frozen. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, place the container in cold water. Reheat as mentioned above for best results. For a full recipe, check the details provided above. Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. You can find it in stores near other pasta types. Orzo pairs nicely with soups, salads, and casseroles. It adds texture and heartiness to dishes like Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just cook it and let it cool. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream to bring back its creaminess. To make Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. These swaps keep the dish rich and tasty without dairy. Orzo pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - A simple green salad - Garlic bread - Roasted vegetables - Grilled chicken or fish These sides create a balanced meal and enhance the flavors of the orzo. Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Place them in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You may need to add a bit of liquid to restore the creamy texture. You now have a complete guide for making Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, variations, and storage advice. This dish is simple but full of flavor. Remember to avoid common mistakes like overcooking orzo and misjudging seasoning. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and protein options. Enjoy this comforting meal whenever you need a quick and satisfying dish. With these tips, you can create a delightful orzo that your family will love. Happy cooking!$

Indulge in a bowl of Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. This quick and delicious recipe combines tender orzo pasta with fresh spinach and creamy goodness in just 25 minutes! Perfect for a cozy dinner or a delightful lunch, this dish is as easy to make as it is delicious. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this creamy delight to your table tonight!

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Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream

4 cups fresh spinach

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Once boiling, stir in the orzo pasta and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the orzo according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until tender.

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream, allowing it to combine with the tomato mixture.

Increase the heat slightly and add the fresh spinach, stirring until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Presentation Tips: Serve in wide, shallow bowls, and garnish with fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color. Pair with crusty bread for a delightful meal!