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For this creamy tomato spinach orzo, you’ll need: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can boost the dish's flavor with these options: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - Lemon zest for a fresh twist - Chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth - A dash of balsamic vinegar for richness If you need to switch things up, try these substitutes: - Use quinoa or rice instead of orzo for a different grain. - Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter option. - Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan touch. - Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley instead of dried herbs. These ingredients give the dish its rich, creamy taste and texture. Feel free to play around with options to make it your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, we need to cook the orzo. Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add salt to the water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook the orzo for about 8 to 10 minutes. Check the package for exact times. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the orzo and set it aside. Next, let’s make the sauce. Use the same pot to keep flavors rich. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté the garlic for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Then, stir in a can of crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Now, we’ll make it creamy. Gradually add 2 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach into the sauce. Cook until the spinach wilts, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. After that, reduce the heat to low. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut cream if you prefer dairy-free. Let it heat for about 2 minutes, ensuring everything blends well. Finally, it’s time to serve! Add the cooked orzo to the creamy tomato-spinach mixture. Stir it all together until the orzo is well-coated with sauce. You can adjust the seasoning if you like. Plate the creamy tomato spinach orzo in bowls. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves on top. Enjoy your delicious meal! To cook orzo just right, start with a large pot. Bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and stir it. Cook until it is al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking. After cooking, drain the orzo and set it aside. This keeps it from soaking up too much sauce later. For a creamy sauce, use heavy cream or coconut cream. After adding it, reduce the heat to low. Stir well to mix everything together. Let it heat for about 2 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. If you want extra creaminess, add more cream to taste. Fresh herbs boost the taste of your dish. Adding fresh basil at the end gives a bright flavor. You can also try parsley or thyme for more depth. Chop the herbs finely before adding them. This makes sure the flavors spread evenly throughout the dish. You can also sprinkle some on top as a garnish for a fresh look. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality tomatoes can elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Make sure to cook the orzo al dente, as it will continue to absorb moisture when combined with the sauce. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can reduce the amount of cream or substitute with a plant-based option. Garnish Wisely: Fresh basil and grated Parmesan not only add flavor but also enhance the visual appeal of your dish. {{image_2}} You can keep this dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth. This adds depth without meat. Add more veggies for flavor. Try bell peppers or mushrooms for a hearty twist. You can also toss in some peas or zucchini. They will cook quickly and blend nicely with the sauce. To make it vegan, switch the heavy cream for coconut cream. This keeps the dish rich and creamy. Just use a dairy-free cheese option or skip the cheese altogether. You won’t lose flavor; the tomatoes and spices will shine through. Want to add protein? Cooked chicken or shrimp works great. Toss them in at the end to heat through. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and fiber. You can also add tofu for a nice texture. After you enjoy your creamy tomato spinach orzo, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature first. This helps keep the dish fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. To freeze your orzo, follow these simple steps. First, pack the orzo tightly in a freezer-safe container. Leave a little space at the top for expansion. The orzo will stay good for about three months. When you're ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. When reheating your creamy tomato spinach orzo, do it gently. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If on the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat until warm throughout, and enjoy! Yes, you can use other small pasta types. Options include ditalini, acini di pepe, or even small shells. Make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. This dish is not gluten-free if you use regular orzo. However, you can find gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn. Always check the package to ensure it meets your needs. Creamy tomato spinach orzo pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp also works great. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the orzo and sauce separately, then combine them before serving. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. This blog post covered how to make creamy tomato spinach orzo. We discussed ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for success. You learned about flavorful variations, as well as storage options. Remember, you can swap ingredients or add your favorite proteins. With a few simple tips, you'll create a dish people will love. Enjoy your cooking and the tasty results!

Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo

A delicious and creamy orzo pasta dish with tomatoes and spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
  • Gradually add in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it heat through for about 2 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined.
  • Add the cooked orzo to the creamy tomato-spinach mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat the orzo evenly with the sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Plate the creamy tomato spinach orzo in bowls, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves on top for garnish.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream.
Keyword creamy, orzo, pasta, spinach, tomato