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One Pot Orzo Recipe – Creamy & Delicious

Creamy one pot orzo in skillet with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes showing risotto-like texture
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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)

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

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fabiloustaste.com/one-pot-orzo-recipe/