One-Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo
Creamy tomato orzo is the perfect side dish to add to any protein or vegetable. It's flavorful, creamy, and an easy replacement for boxed mac n cheese!
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 324kcal
Cost: $10
Equipment
- 1 large saucepan or cast iron
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups orzo
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
- 6 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup white wine
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Over medium heat, add 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil to a saucepan. Once hot, add shallots and saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Then stir in the garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and combine well with the onions and garlic. Let the tomato paste cook for 3 minutes. Then stir in the cherry tomatoes. Cook until the skins start becoming wrinkly, and they begin to release their juice, another 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the orzo and combine well with the ingredients. Allow the orzo to sit and toast for 1-2 minutes, then pour in the white wine. Simmer the white wine until completely absorbed.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until most of the broth is absorbed.
- Stir in the spinach and cover for 2 minutes until it wilts. Then stir in the parmesan and remove the saucepan from the heat. Finally, add the heavy cream, and serve!
Notes
- One-Pan Magic! Use your cast iron pan to make the PERFECT Cast Iron Chicken Breast or Cast Iron Boneless Pork Chops first, and the fond from the meat will add so much flavor to your pasta.
- Caramelize the tomato paste. Let the sweetness of flavor develop from the tomato paste for a more intense tomato flavor in the creamy tomato orzo.
- Toasting the orzo will release its natural nutty flavor, adding more complexity to the dish.
- Stir the orzo occasionally to avoid it sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Add the parmesan before you add the heavy cream, or it might not properly melt throughout the orzo.
Nutrition
Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 575mg | Potassium: 353mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1589IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 193mg | Iron: 2mg
