This tasty Creamy Tuscan Orzo dish is easy to make in just one pot. It’s full of flavor, really comforting, and works great as a side dish or a meatless main course.
Creamy Tuscan Orzo
Creamy Tuscan Orzo
For a meal that combines creamy richness with vibrant flavors, Creamy Tuscan Orzo is an excellent choice. This dish features orzo pasta coated in a luscious creamy sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves, and complemented by pieces of sun-dried tomatoes or bacon. A lemon wedge on the side adds a touch of brightness, making it a visually appealing and delicious meal.
A Symphony of Flavors
The creamy sauce is the star of this dish, providing a rich and velvety base that pairs perfectly with the tender orzo pasta. The sun-dried tomatoes or bacon add a delightful contrast, bringing a touch of sweetness or smokiness that enhances the overall flavor profile. The fresh basil leaves add a burst of color and a hint of earthiness, while the lemon wedge offers a refreshing zest.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for guests or looking for a comforting meal to enjoy at home, Creamy Tuscan Orzo is a versatile choice. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a dish that everyone will love.
Easy to Prepare
Despite its sophisticated appearance, this dish is relatively easy to prepare. The key is to cook the orzo until it’s tender and then combine it with the creamy sauce and other ingredients. The lemon wedge can be squeezed over the dish just before serving to add a burst of freshness.
A Crowd-Pleaser
This dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Its vibrant presentation and delicious taste make it a standout meal. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce new flavors to your dinner table, combining the familiar comfort of pasta with the rich, savory notes of Tuscan cuisine.
Why you’ll really enjoy this Creamy Tuscan Orzo Recipe:
This Tuscan pasta is a quick and simple delight for several reasons! The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and basil gives it that wonderful “Tuscan” flavor. Plus, when you add cream, it becomes incredibly heavenly. While it’s more Italian American than authentically Italian, its taste is absolutely fantastic.
Perhaps the best part is that you can make this orzo pasta in just one pot in just 30 minutes. One-pot recipes mean fewer dishes to wash, and I think we can all appreciate that!
INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED
- Olive oil and butter (for sautéing)
- Onion and garlic (sweet Vidalia onions)
- Italian seasoning (a dried herb blend available in the spice aisle)
- Sun-dried tomatoes (the kind packed in oil in a jar)
- Lemon juice (for brightness and acidity)
- Dijon mustard (a secret ingredient for a savory punch; you won’t taste the mustard itself)
- Orzo pasta (it’s actually pasta, not rice, even though it looks similar. If you want to use rice, adjust liquid measurements and cooking time.)
- Chicken broth (to enhance the rich flavor)
- Heavy cream (for a luxurious creamy texture)
- Parmesan (because who doesn’t love fresh Parmesan with Italian pasta dishes?)
- Basil and Spinach (fresh flavors for any Tuscan recipe)
What to serve with creamy Tuscan orzo:
This flavorful side dish pairs well with anything from Easy Baked Chicken Legs to Pan-Seared Pork Chops or even Simple Filet Mignon for a more upscale meal. If you want to turn it into a main course, consider serving it alongside a Super Simple Parmesan Arugula Salad for a perfect combination!
Leftovers and storage:
While this orzo tastes best when freshly cooked, you can store it in the fridge for a few days. Keep in mind that it may absorb more of the creamy sauce and become a bit puffy over time. When reheating, use low heat in a saucepan and add a little extra cream if needed. It’s not recommended to freeze leftovers since dairy sauces generally don’t fare well in the freezer.
Be sure to check out these other great Tuscan recipes!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Creamy Tuscan Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsps butter
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes see note
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil torn
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Put oil, butter, and onion in a pot on medium-high heat. Cook the onion for 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and orzo to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often to mix the flavors with the orzo.
- Pour in chicken broth and cream. Once it starts bubbling, cook for 10 minutes (without a lid), stirring regularly. Adjust the heat to keep a steady bubble without the liquid evaporating too much.
- Remove the pot from the heat, and mix in parmesan, spinach, and basil. Cover the pot for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking. If there's too much liquid, wait a bit. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
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Creamy Tuscan Orzo