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Overhead view of finished orzo in a cast iron skillet garnished with parsley and parmesan cheese.

Creamy Orzo Pasta

Course: Main Dish, Pasta, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: creamy tomato orzo, one pot tomato orzo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Malinda Linnebur
Indulge in this Creamy Tomato Orzo, a vibrant one-pot side dish that bursts with flavor and is incredibly simple to prepare.
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Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup (130g) tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • 2¼ cups (530ml) chicken OR vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (235ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup (190g) uncooked orzo
  • 1 cup (35g) spinach
  • ½ cup (55g) grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Add oil and onion. Cook onion until it starts to turn light brown. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and basil until well combined.
    3 tablespoons olive oil, ½ small onion, diced, 3 cloves garlic, minced, ¼ cup (130g) tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon dried basil
    Four pictures showing how to cook the onion, garlic, and adding in the tomato paste and seasonings.
  • Add the broth, cream, and orzo pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente.
    2¼ cups (530ml) chicken OR vegetable broth, 1 cup (235ml) heavy whipping cream, 1 cup (190g) uncooked orzo
    Stirring in the pasta and cream and the second photo stirring in the spinach and cheese.
  • Stir in the spinach and parmesan cheese. Remove from heat and serve.
    1 cup (35g) spinach, ½ cup (55g) grated parmesan cheese

Notes

  1. STORAGE: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 
  2. REHEAT: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove in a small saucepan with a little extra broth to thin it out slightly. Stir constantly while reheating on the stovetop. 
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