Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo

$To make Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo, you’ll need: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juices) - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Every ingredient plays a big role in flavor. If you can’t find orzo, try any small pasta. You can swap vegetable broth with chicken broth for a different taste. Canned diced tomatoes bring a nice acidity. If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw and drain it well. For a vegan option, coconut cream works great to keep the dish creamy. This dish is not just tasty; it also packs nutrition. One serving (about 1 cup) has roughly: - Calories: 300 - Protein: 8g - Carbs: 45g - Fat: 12g - Fiber: 2g This dish can give you a good energy boost. Adjust the cream to reduce calories if that's a goal. The added spinach gives vitamins and minerals. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add 1 clove of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great. Next, pour in 1 cup of orzo pasta. Stir it for 1-2 minutes until the orzo is slightly toasted. This step adds a nice flavor. Now, add 2 cups of vegetable broth and 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring this mix to a gentle boil. After that, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir the pot occasionally. The orzo will soak up most of the liquid and become tender. Once the orzo is cooked, add 2 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down. This adds color and nutrients to your dish. Then, slowly stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream if you prefer a vegan option. Mix in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This blend creates a creamy and flavorful base. After mixing everything together, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit for a minute to thicken slightly. This helps the flavors meld nicely. To serve, dish out the creamy tomato spinach orzo into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of flavor and color. Enjoy your meal hot, and watch everyone savor each bite! To make your creamy tomato spinach orzo extra smooth, start with heavy cream. If you want a vegan option, use coconut cream. This adds richness without dairy. Stir the cream in slowly after cooking your orzo. Let it sit for a minute to thicken up nicely. This step makes a big difference in texture. To boost flavor, add herbs and spices. Italian seasoning works wonders here. You can also try a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh basil leaves add a nice touch on top. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish delicious. Serve your creamy tomato spinach orzo hot. It pairs well with a crisp green salad. A slice of garlic bread complements the meal nicely. If you want protein, grilled chicken or shrimp are great additions. This dish is versatile and can fit any table setting, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Stir the orzo frequently while it simmers to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Add More Flavor: Enhance the dish by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra depth. Vegan Creamy Option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream to make this dish completely vegan while still keeping it rich and creamy. Fresh Herbs Boost: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or oregano in addition to basil for a burst of freshness. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. It adds a nice richness. You can also skip the cream altogether. Just add a bit more broth. The dish will still taste great. Use more spices to boost flavor. You can try adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. Want to make your orzo heartier? Add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. These options pair well with the creamy sauce. You can also add chickpeas for a plant-based boost. Just toss them in when you add the spinach. This will make your meal more filling and satisfying. Seasonal veggies can add color and flavor. Try adding zucchini or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the garlic. You can also use asparagus in spring. It cooks quickly and tastes amazing. If it's fall, add roasted butternut squash. These additions make the dish fun and fresh. You can mix and match based on what you have. To keep your creamy tomato spinach orzo fresh, store it in an airtight container. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup inside. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label your container with the date. This way, you know when you made it. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is easy. Place the orzo in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to keep it moist. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This method warms the dish evenly without drying it out. If you want to store it for longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the orzo cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to two months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use other small pasta types. Try ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even small shells. Each option brings a new twist. The cooking time may change slightly, so check for doneness. Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. You can use coconut cream for a vegan option. It's rich and creamy, perfect for this dish. Alternatively, try whole milk or half-and-half. If you want a lighter option, use Greek yogurt, but mix it in slowly to avoid curdling. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo. Many brands offer great alternatives today. Be sure to check the package for cooking times. Also, confirm that your vegetable broth is gluten-free. Enjoy this dish without worry! This blog covered everything you need to know for a great orzo dish. We looked at the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for a creamy texture. I shared ideas for variations and how to store leftovers, too. Remember, cooking should be fun and flexible. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy your delicious orzo, and impress your friends and family with your skills!$

Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo

A delicious and creamy orzo pasta dish with tomatoes and spinach.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
0.5 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the orzo to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes until slightly toasted.
Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with juices). Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally.
Add the chopped spinach to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
Slowly stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, and mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and let sit for a minute to thicken slightly.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

Notes

Use coconut cream for a vegan option.

Keyword creamy, orzo, pasta, spinach, vegetarian