This creamy orzo pasta is an indulgent, yet comforting dish. The smooth texture of the orzo, coated in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, is perfectly balanced by the sharpness of Parmesan cheese. Topped with fresh parsley, it’s a meal that is both hearty and satisfying.
Whether you’re in the mood for a simple weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this creamy orzo pasta will surely be a hit. The recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for easy additions like roasted vegetables or grilled chicken to take it to the next level. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 cup orzo pasta
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
-
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
While the orzo is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss to combine, making sure the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
-
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 370 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This creamy orzo pasta stands out for several reasons. First, it’s quick and easy to prepare — ready in just 30 minutes — making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The entire dish is made in one pan, which means fewer dishes to clean up afterward. Additionally, it’s packed with vegetables like baby spinach and grape tomatoes, providing a nutrient-dense meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Another feature that makes this dish special is its versatility. While the recipe is already vegetarian, it can easily be made vegan by omitting the parmesan cheese or using a plant-based version. For those looking to add more protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu would complement the creamy pasta beautifully.
Ingredients and Substitutions
This creamy orzo pasta utilizes simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. The orzo pasta, a rice-shaped pasta, is the star of the dish. It cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce, which is what makes this recipe so easy. You could substitute it with another small pasta like risoni, or even with arborio rice for a similar result.
The fresh sweetness of grape or cherry tomatoes contrasts beautifully with the tangy sun-dried tomatoes, adding layers of flavor to the dish. If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you could use jarred roasted red peppers as a substitute.
Vegetable broth serves as the base for the sauce, infusing the orzo with flavor while keeping the dish vegetarian. For non-vegetarians, swapping the vegetable broth for chicken broth will work just as well. The cannellini beans provide that creamy texture without the heaviness of cream, and if you’re out of these, navy beans or butter beans could be used as alternatives.
The addition of spinach brings a touch of green to the dish, adding not only color but essential vitamins. You can substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard if you prefer. For the final creamy touch, unsweetened soy milk was used in the original recipe, but you can easily swap it for any milk of your choice, including almond or oat milk.
How to Make Creamy Orzo Pasta
Making this creamy orzo pasta is incredibly easy. Start by sautéing onions in olive oil until translucent, followed by the addition of fresh grape tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. After a brief sauté, orzo pasta is added and sautéed for a few minutes to toast it slightly. This step ensures the pasta absorbs all the flavors from the tomatoes and oil.
Next, vegetable broth and cannellini beans are added, followed by a simmer to cook the orzo to al dente perfection. The key is to let the pasta simmer in the broth, similar to a risotto, allowing the starch from the pasta to thicken the sauce naturally. Once the pasta is cooked, spinach is stirred in along with parmesan cheese and milk, transforming the sauce into a luscious, creamy texture.
The dish is finished off with a handful of fresh basil leaves, adding a fresh and aromatic note to the rich, creamy sauce. It’s a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly light and healthy.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Creamy Orzo Pasta
While this dish is simple, there are a few tips that can elevate it even further. First, be mindful not to overcook the orzo. It should retain a slight bite, much like al dente pasta. If it cooks too long, it can become mushy and lose its lovely texture.
Simmer the orzo on low heat and cover the pan to prevent the broth from evaporating too quickly. If the pasta absorbs too much liquid before it’s fully cooked, you can always add a bit more broth to maintain a creamy consistency.
If you’re using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes instead of those in oil, be sure to rehydrate them in warm water for a few minutes before using them in the dish. This will ensure they soften up and infuse their full flavor into the sauce.
For the best results, always use freshly grated parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese tends to be drier and doesn’t melt as smoothly, so grating your own will result in a creamier, more flavorful sauce.
Storage Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers, this creamy orzo pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it up on the stove with a splash of broth or water to restore its creamy consistency. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, although it might lose a bit of the creaminess.
For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, either thaw it overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen in a pan with some liquid until heated through.
FAQs
-
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or using arborio rice for a similar result. Just be aware that the cooking time might vary slightly. -
What protein can I add to this dish?
If you’d like to add more protein, crispy breaded tofu is a great vegetarian option. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even salmon would also pair wonderfully with the creamy pasta. -
Can I substitute cannellini beans?
If you don’t have cannellini beans, you can use other white beans such as navy beans or butter beans. Chickpeas could also work, although they won’t provide quite the same level of creaminess.
Conclusion
This creamy orzo pasta is the perfect comfort food dish that is both satisfying and healthy. With its quick preparation time and one-pan cooking method, it’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights. The secret to its creaminess lies in the clever use of cannellini beans, which add both creaminess and protein without the heaviness of cream. Versatile and easily customizable, this dish is sure to become a family favorite, whether served as a main course or paired with your favorite protein.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe will surely impress. Enjoy a delicious, hearty, and comforting meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor!