Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo

$- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gathering these ingredients makes this dish simple and fun. The orzo pasta gives a nice bite, while the vegetable broth adds depth. Cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy, and fresh spinach brings color and nutrition. For the creamy base, heavy cream makes it rich. Coconut cream is a great vegan choice. Parmesan cheese adds a salty touch, but you can use nutritional yeast for a vegan option. The garlic and olive oil create a lovely aroma. Salt and pepper are key for flavor. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of freshness when you serve the dish. This list of ingredients is all you need for a tasty meal. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand. The choices make this recipe your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling the vegetable broth in a medium pot. Bring it to a rolling boil. Once it bubbles, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook the orzo for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a tiny bite. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking together. When it’s ready, drain any extra broth. While the orzo cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until it smells nice. Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these for about 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they start to soften and burst. Once the orzo is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the tomatoes. Mix it well so everything blends. Now, add 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts down. Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan twist. Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast if you're vegan. Stir everything together until it becomes creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. When it looks perfect, remove it from the heat. Enjoy your creamy tomato spinach orzo! To make your creamy tomato spinach orzo even better, you can adjust the cream type. Use heavy cream for a rich flavor or coconut cream for a vegan option. Both add a nice, creamy touch. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy taste without dairy. Avoid overcooking the orzo. Cook it in boiling vegetable broth until it is al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. For the sautéing, heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic for just 1-2 minutes. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor. When you add cherry tomatoes, cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften. This brings out their sweetness and juiciness. Garnishing is key to a beautiful dish. Top your orzo with fresh basil leaves. They add color and a burst of flavor. For serving, consider a shallow bowl. This lets the creamy sauce shine and makes it easier to dig in. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top for added flair. Enjoy your meal! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Broth: The flavor of your dish depends heavily on the broth. Choose a good quality vegetable broth for a richer taste. Don't Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on the cooking time and test the orzo a minute or two before the package instructions indicate to ensure it stays al dente. Experiment with Greens: While spinach is delicious, you can also use kale or Swiss chard for different flavors and textures. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness just before serving. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream. It gives a nice flavor and keeps the dish creamy. For cheese, swap out Parmesan for nutritional yeast. This gives a cheesy taste without dairy. If you want to add protein, grilled chicken or shrimp works well. They add great flavor and make the dish heartier. For a vegetarian option, try adding beans. Black beans or chickpeas can boost your meal with plant-based protein. Feel free to add more veggies. Bell peppers or zucchini can enhance both taste and color. Consider using seasonal vegetables too. Fresh, local produce can make your dish even more special. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the orzo fresh. I suggest putting it in the fridge right away. It stays good for about 3-4 days. Before you eat it again, check for any odd smells or changes in texture. If you want to keep it longer, freezing works well. Pour the orzo into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as it might expand. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water. This helps bring back its creamy texture. Warm it up on the stove over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo. Many brands offer great alternatives. You can also use rice or quinoa. These options work well in this creamy meal. Just cook them according to package instructions. Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. They can save time and still taste great. Choose whole or diced tomatoes for the best flavor. Drain excess liquid before adding them to the pan. This helps keep the dish from getting too watery. Pair this dish with a light salad. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works well. You could also serve garlic bread on the side. Roasted vegetables make a lovely addition too. These sides add color and flavor to your meal. This guide covers everything about Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo, from ingredients to tips. You learned how to prepare orzo, sauté veggies, and create a creamy base. We discussed vegan options and protein add-ins for variety. Storing and reheating leftovers is also easy with my guidance. Now, it's time to try this dish in your kitchen. Enjoy your tasty meal and impress family and friends!$

Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo

A delicious and creamy orzo dish with fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
0.5 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for vegan option
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan option
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Start by boiling the vegetable broth in a medium pot. Once boiling, add the orzo and cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally.
While the orzo is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
Once the orzo is cooked, drain any excess broth and add it to the skillet with the tomatoes.
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy, adding salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a vegan option.

Keyword creamy, orzo, spinach, tomato, vegetarian