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Creamy 15-Minute Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Recipe with Spinach Parmesan

creamy sun-dried tomato orzo - featured image
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A quick and comforting creamy orzo dish featuring tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and savory Parmesan cheese, ready in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (about 180g)
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed (baby spinach ideal)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (600ml), low-sodium preferred
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (60ml), optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding burning the garlic.
  2. Add 1 cup orzo pasta to the pan and stir to coat with the oil and tomato mixture. Toast lightly for about 1 minute.
  3. Pour in 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth. Stir gently and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally and checking tenderness starting at 8 minutes.
  4. When orzo is nearly cooked, stir in 2 cups fresh spinach. Cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
  5. Remove pan from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half, then 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and smooth. Add more broth or cream if sauce is too thick.
  6. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Cook orzo directly in broth to absorb flavor and achieve creaminess. Stir Parmesan in off heat to avoid graininess. Add spinach at the end to keep vibrant color and fresh flavor. If broth evaporates too fast, add more hot water or broth. For vegan version, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese and cream with coconut or cashew cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: orzo, sun-dried tomato, spinach, Parmesan, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/creamy-15-minute-sun-dried-tomato-orzo-recipe-with-spinach-parmesan/