One Pot Orzo Recipe – Creamy & Delicious

INTRODUCTION

One pot orzo recipe transforms tiny rice-shaped pasta into creamy, risotto-like dish without constant stirring, cooking directly in seasoned broth that orzo absorbs while releasing starches creating naturally luxurious texture. This Mediterranean-inspired orzo with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach delivers elegant dinner through strategic ingredient layering ready in just 20 minutes. The revolutionary method eliminates traditional pasta boiling—instead, orzo simmers gently in flavorful liquid creating creamy sauce coating every grain perfectly. This recipe joins our collection of easy one pot meals proving sophisticated dishes welcome busy cooks.

WHY THIS ORZO RECIPE WORKS

The brilliance of this creamy orzo lies in pasta’s unique shape and starch content that mimics arborio rice behavior, absorbing liquid gradually while releasing starches that bind into silky sauce without flour-based roux or heavy cream. Unlike traditional risotto requiring arm-numbing stirring and precise liquid additions, this streamlined technique needs only occasional stirring while maintaining similar creamy consistency. Sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated umami sweetness while fresh spinach adds nutrition and visual appeal. Fresh garlic and Italian herbs create restaurant-quality depth impressive enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknight family dinners. The combination of cream cheese and parmesan creates ultra-smooth finish that elevates simple pasta into elegant Mediterranean masterpiece.

One Pot Orzo Recipe – Creamy & Delicious

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Creamy orzo with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach that cooks like risotto without constant stirring, creating naturally luxurious texture in just 20 minutes.

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 3 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced finely
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), chopped
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomato oil from jar
• Fresh basil leaves, torn
• Lemon zest (optional)

 

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

• Heat olive oil in large deep skillet over medium heat.
• Add diced onion and sauté 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and dried basil.
• Stir constantly 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
• Add dry orzo to skillet and stir to coat.
• Toast orzo 2-3 minutes until slightly golden.
• Season with salt and black pepper.
• Pour broth into skillet all at once.
• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and their oil.
• Bring to boil over medium-high heat.
• Reduce to medium-low maintaining gentle simmer.
• Cook 12-15 minutes stirring every 3-4 minutes.
• Add broth if liquid absorbs too quickly.
• When orzo is tender, reduce heat to low.
• Add cubed cream cheese, stirring until melted.
• Stir in butter until melted.
• Add spinach one handful at a time, stirring until wilted.
• Stir in parmesan cheese and heavy cream if using.
• Remove from heat and let rest 2-3 minutes.
• Add broth to thin if needed, or simmer to thicken.
• Stir in fresh basil, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using.

 

• Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use large deep skillet (11 inches wide minimum)
• Toast orzo for nutty depth but watch for burning
• Stir every 3-4 minutes – much less than risotto
• Orzo releases starches creating natural creaminess
• Don’t skip cream cheese – creates ultra-smooth texture
• Spinach wilts quickly from residual heat
• Sauce thickens as it cools – aim for looser consistency
• Add liquid gradually if reheating leftovers
• Fresh parmesan melts better than pre-shredded

 

• Vegetarian-friendly main dish or elegant side

• Author: David Cooper
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: One Pot
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 765 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS

Orzo Base:

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 3 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion diced finely
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Creamy Additions:

• 4 oz cream cheese cubed
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter

Vegetables & Flavor:

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed) chopped
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach packed
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomato oil from jar
• Fresh basil leaves torn for garnish
• Lemon zest for brightness (optional)
• Red pepper flakes for heat (optional)

FOOLPROOF ONE POT METHOD

Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in large, deep skillet or sauté pan (at least 11 inches wide with high sides) over medium heat until shimmering. Add diced onion and sauté 3-4 minutes stirring occasionally until softened and translucent with edges beginning to turn golden. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and dried basil, stirring constantly 30-60 seconds until garlic becomes fragrant but not browned—burnt garlic creates bitter taste. This aromatic base provides flavor foundation that orzo will absorb during cooking creating depth throughout entire dish.

Orzo Toasting: Add dry orzo pasta to skillet with aromatics, stirring to coat every grain with oil and seasonings. Toast orzo 2-3 minutes stirring frequently until pasta turns slightly golden and develops nutty aroma—this toasting step adds depth similar to toasting rice for pilaf, creating more complex final flavor. Watch carefully to prevent burning as toasted orzo can quickly go from golden to burnt. Season mixture with salt and black pepper, keeping in mind that broth and parmesan will add additional saltiness later.

Liquid Addition & Cooking: Pour broth into skillet all at once, stirring to combine with toasted orzo and aromatics. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and their oil from jar for concentrated flavor and healthy fats. Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce to medium-low maintaining gentle simmer with small bubbles breaking surface consistently. Cook orzo 12-15 minutes stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking—unlike risotto requiring constant stirring, orzo needs only occasional attention making this truly hands-off. As pasta cooks, it absorbs broth while releasing starches into liquid creating naturally creamy consistency. If liquid absorbs too quickly before orzo reaches tender texture, add additional broth or water 1/4 cup at a time. Orzo should reach al dente texture with slight bite remaining and most liquid absorbed leaving creamy sauce coating pasta.

Creamy Finish: When orzo reaches tender consistency with most broth absorbed, reduce heat to low. Add cubed cream cheese stirring constantly until completely melted and integrated creating ultra-smooth base. Stir in butter allowing it to melt and add silky richness to sauce. Add fresh spinach one handful at a time, stirring until wilted before adding more—spinach reduces dramatically in volume and wilts quickly from residual heat. Once all spinach wilts, stir in grated parmesan cheese and heavy cream if using for extra richness. Remove skillet from heat and let rest 2-3 minutes allowing sauce to thicken further as orzo continues absorbing liquid and starches bind together. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or parmesan as needed.

Final Touches: If sauce appears too thick after resting, stir in additional broth, cream, or pasta cooking water tablespoon at a time until desired consistency achieved—orzo should be creamy and flowing rather than stiff or dry. Conversely, if sauce seems too thin, let rest additional 2-3 minutes or gently simmer over low heat stirring constantly until proper thickness reached. Stir in torn fresh basil, lemon zest if using for brightness, and red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Serve immediately while hot and creamy for best texture and flavor.

CREATIVE SERVING AND STORAGE

Serving Suggestions: Serve creamy orzo as impressive main dish or elegant side accompanying grilled chicken, seared fish, or roasted vegetables. Spoon into shallow bowls and garnish with extra parmesan shavings, fresh basil leaves, and drizzle of quality olive oil for restaurant-quality presentation. Crusty bread alongside soaks up creamy sauce while arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides peppery contrast to rich orzo. This versatile dish works beautifully for weeknight family dinners or sophisticated entertaining with minimal effort.

Storage Guidelines: Store leftover orzo in airtight container refrigerated up to 4 days. Pasta absorbs sauce as it sits becoming quite thick when cold—this is normal. Reheat gently on stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding broth, cream, or milk tablespoon at a time to restore creamy consistency. Microwave reheating works but requires attention, heating in 1-minute intervals while stirring between to prevent drying or uneven heating. Freezing not recommended as cream cheese and dairy-based sauce separate upon thawing creating grainy texture.

CONCLUSION

This one pot orzo recipe demonstrates how tiny rice-shaped pasta creates risotto-like creaminess without constant stirring or complicated technique. The strategic addition of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and cream cheese transforms simple pasta into Mediterranean-inspired dish impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for busy weeknights. Whether serving as vegetarian main course or sophisticated side dish, this reliable recipe proves that restaurant-quality results welcome home cooks seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort. For more inspiring single-pot dinners, explore our complete collection of easy one pot meals featuring pasta variations, chicken dishes, beef meals, and comforting soups.