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Creamy Tuscan Orzo with Spinach

creamy tuscan orzo with spinach - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy Tuscan orzo with spinach recipe perfect for lazy weeknight dinners. This comforting dish combines orzo pasta with fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich cream cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (about 270g)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, packed (about 120g)
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (960ml), low sodium preferred
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (115g)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (120ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: mince garlic, chop onion and sun-dried tomatoes, rinse spinach if needed, and soften cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and warm through for about 2 minutes.
  5. Add dry orzo to the pan and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  6. Pour in 4 cups broth, add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
  7. Stir in fresh spinach a handful at a time until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Lower heat and add softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve warm, sprinkled with remaining Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or cream to loosen. If too thin, cook a few extra minutes to evaporate excess liquid. Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Stir gently to prevent breaking orzo. Add spinach near the end to keep it fresh and vibrant. Adjust salt after adding broth and cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan orzo, creamy orzo, spinach pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, sun-dried tomatoes, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/creamy-tuscan-orzo-with-spinach-recipe-easy-lazy-weeknight-dinner-idea/