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Creamy One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

creamy one-pan garlic parmesan orzo - featured image
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A creamy, garlicky one-pan orzo dish with fresh spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for quick and comforting dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (about 180g)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth (600 ml), low-sodium preferred
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (about 90g)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil preferred)
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 75g)
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (120 ml), or coconut cream for dairy-free
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients (5 minutes): Mince the garlic, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chop the spinach, and grate the Parmesan cheese. Set all ingredients within reach.
  2. Sauté Garlic (3-4 minutes): Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over low to medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook gently, stirring often, until fragrant and soft but not browned.
  3. Add Orzo (2 minutes): Pour in dry orzo pasta and stir to coat in garlic-infused oil. Toast lightly for about 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in Broth and Simmer (15-18 minutes): Add 2 ½ cups broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or water if it looks dry before fully cooked.
  5. Add Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes (2-3 minutes): Fold in chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Cover and cook until spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Stir in Cream and Parmesan (3-5 minutes): Remove lid, pour in cream, and stir in grated Parmesan. Cook uncovered, stirring gently until sauce thickens and coats the orzo. Season with salt and pepper. Add broth or cream if too thick.
  7. Rest and Garnish (2 minutes): Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Cook garlic on low heat to avoid bitterness. Keep broth nearby to add as needed to prevent orzo from drying out. Use fresh grated Parmesan for best texture. Cover pan while simmering to cook orzo evenly. Spinach should be added near the end to keep it bright and tender. Stir gently after adding cream and cheese to maintain smooth sauce. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan cheese substitutes. Leftovers thicken; add broth or cream when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, garlic parmesan, orzo, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy, easy dinner, quick meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/creamy-one-pan-garlic-parmesan-orzo-recipe-easy-and-delicious-with-spinach-and-sun-dried-tomatoes/