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To make Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo, you will need the following items: - 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 black pepper to taste - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish) - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy dish. The orzo serves as a great base, while the garlic and herbs add flavor. The crushed tomatoes and broth provide a lovely sauce. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. You can choose heavy cream for richness or coconut cream to keep it dairy-free. Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice touch. Finally, fresh basil leaves give a pop of flavor. Gather these items, and you will be all set to create this comforting meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Wait for it to reach a rolling boil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the orzo to be al dente. Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and set it aside. In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be cautious not to burn it, as burnt garlic can spoil the taste. Next, stir in a 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Now, fold in 2 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and turns bright green. Lower the heat and stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Let this warm through for about 2 minutes, ensuring everything is creamy. Finally, add the reserved cooked orzo to the creamy tomato-spinach sauce. Toss everything together well, making sure the orzo is fully coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Seasoning is key to making this dish shine. It brings out the taste of each ingredient. I always start with a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste as you go. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor even more. Consider adding fresh basil or parsley right before serving. It adds a bright touch and a pop of color. To prevent burnt garlic, keep an eye on the heat. Garlic cooks quickly, so stir it often. If it turns brown, it will taste bitter. For a creamy consistency, make sure to mix the cream in gently. Let it warm slowly for a smooth finish. If you want the sauce thicker, let it simmer a little longer. For a lovely presentation, serve the orzo in shallow bowls. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. It adds shine and flavor. Freshly cracked black pepper can give a nice kick. You can also squeeze a bit of lemon juice for brightness. Optionally, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Fresh basil leaves make a great garnish too. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Cooking: Always cook orzo in salted water to enhance its flavor. This not only seasons the pasta but also prevents it from being bland. Fresh Herbs Boost: For an extra punch of flavor, use fresh basil instead of dried. Add it at the end of cooking to keep its vibrant taste and aroma. Vegan Cream Alternative: If you're looking for a dairy-free option, coconut cream is a great substitute. It adds a unique flavor and richness to the dish. Garnishing for Appeal: When serving, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. For a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream for coconut cream. This will keep the dish creamy without using any dairy. You can also use cashew cream or almond milk as alternatives. When it comes to cheese, skip the Parmesan or choose a vegan cheese. Nutritional yeast is another great choice. It adds a cheesy flavor without any animal products. If you want to add protein, chicken, shrimp, or tofu works well. For chicken, use cooked, diced pieces. Shrimp should be added to the pot after sautéing garlic. Cook until pink, then add your tomatoes. For tofu, use firm tofu, cut it into cubes, and sauté it until golden. When cooking protein with orzo, make sure to cook it separately first. This keeps the flavors distinct. Then, mix it in just before serving. Spices can add a fun twist to your dish. Try adding crushed red pepper flakes for heat. You can also use smoked paprika for a warm, smoky flavor. Fresh herbs, like parsley or dill, can brighten up the dish. Feel free to add different vegetables too. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can all work well. Just sauté them along with the garlic for extra flavor. This makes your creamy tomato spinach orzo even more colorful and tasty! To store leftovers, wait until the dish cools. Place the creamy tomato spinach orzo in an airtight container. This method keeps the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. For freezing portions, let the dish cool completely. Divide it into serving sizes and place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The orzo can last in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move a portion from the freezer to the fridge. Let it sit overnight. You can also use the microwave for quicker thawing. When ready to serve, heat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Stir well to ensure even heating. If it seems dry, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream. Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta. It cooks quickly and has a soft, chewy texture. You can add orzo to soups, salads, or casseroles. It works great in creamy dishes like this one. Cook it in boiling water until it's al dente, which usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Yes, you can use other pasta types. Choose short pasta like ditalini or shells. You can also use penne or farfalle. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check the package for details. To make more servings, simply double the ingredients. If you want to serve eight people, use two cups of orzo and double everything else. Be mindful of the cooking time; you may need a bit more time for the sauce to heat through. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also use spicy sausage or hot sauce. Start with a little, then taste as you go. Adjust the heat to your liking for the perfect kick! In this post, we explored the simple yet flavorful dish of orzo pasta. We covered key ingredients, from garlic to fresh herbs, and gave clear cooking steps. You learned tips to enhance taste and ways to add protein or make it vegan. Remember to store leftovers correctly so you can enjoy this meal later. Whether you follow the recipe as written or make your own tweaks, orzo pasta can be delicious and fun. Try it out in your kitchen and savor the result!

Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo

A delicious and creamy orzo pasta dish with fresh spinach and tomatoes.
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 black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it's al dente, which should take approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the orzo and set it aside in a colander.
  • Using the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
  • Slowly stir in the can of crushed tomatoes and the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and season with salt and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
  • Gradually fold in the roughly chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts down and turns bright green.
  • Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Allow the mixture to warm through for about 2 minutes.
  • Add the reserved cooked orzo to the creamy tomato-spinach sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the orzo is well-coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Dish up the creamy tomato spinach orzo into individual bowls. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and garnish with fresh basil leaves on top.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper.
Keyword creamy, orzo, pasta, spinach, tomato