Description
Creamy Tuscan orzo brings Mediterranean magic to your dinner table with rich, velvety pasta nestled among sun-kissed herbs and hearty ingredients. Savory comfort awaits when you dive into this simple yet elegant Italian-inspired dish that promises delightful flavors in every single bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Broth and Seasoning:
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Warm a spacious culinary vessel with olive oil, creating a fragrant base by gently sautéing minced garlic until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen.
- Introduce orzo pasta to the skillet, allowing it to develop a delicate golden hue through light toasting, which enhances its nutty undertones.
- Pour in a harmonious blend of broth and cream, coaxing the mixture to a gentle simmer while periodically stirring to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Continue cooking until the orzo reaches a tender consistency and the liquid reduces, creating a luxurious, creamy texture that clings to each pasta grain.
- Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, vibrant spinach leaves, rich Parmesan, and a medley of Italian seasonings, stirring with purpose to create a cohesive and flavorful composition.
- Allow the spinach to gracefully wilt and the cheese to melt into a silky sauce, distributing flavors throughout the dish.
- Remove from heat and permit the mixture to rest briefly, enabling the sauce to thicken and develop deeper, more concentrated flavors.
- For those seeking an extra kick, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes across the surface, adding a subtle heat to the creamy landscape.
- Serve immediately, presenting a warm, inviting dish that celebrates the rustic elegance of Tuscan-inspired cuisine.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by toasting orzo in olive oil, which releases a nutty, rich taste and helps prevent clumping.
- Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels and allow more precise seasoning during cooking.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dietary-friendly alternatives that maintain creamy texture.
- Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the dish’s complexity and add vibrant aromatic notes beyond Italian seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 484
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg