Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo

$- 1 cup orzo pasta - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese These main ingredients create a rich base for the dish. The orzo pasta adds texture while the sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy kick. Heavy cream makes everything creamy, and Parmesan adds a savory depth. - 2 cups vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 garlic cloves, minced The vegetable broth is key for flavor. It helps the orzo absorb rich taste as it cooks. Olive oil adds a nice finish, while garlic gives an aromatic boost that enhances all the flavors in the dish. - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste Dried basil brings a hint of freshness. It pairs nicely with the sun-dried tomatoes. Adjusting salt and pepper lets you control the dish’s final flavor. This balance is crucial for a well-rounded meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, get a medium saucepan. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once it's bubbling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook the orzo for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, not mushy. While the orzo cooks, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 1 minute until they smell great. Then, mix in 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Cook this for another 2-3 minutes. The flavors will combine well. Now, reduce your heat to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir everything together. Let it simmer gently for about 3 minutes. Once the orzo is ready, drain any extra broth. Add the orzo to the skillet with the creamy mixture. Stir well to combine. Next, mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The cheese will melt, making the orzo creamy. After that, remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken before serving. To get the perfect orzo texture, always cook it until al dente. This means it should be firm when you bite into it. Check the package for cooking times. Usually, it takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. For a creamy sauce, start with a good base. Heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until it smells good. Then, add sun-dried tomatoes and dried basil. After that, slowly mix in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently. This makes the sauce rich and smooth. Fresh basil leaves add color and taste. You can tear them up and sprinkle them on top. This gives your dish a fresh look and bright flavor. Adding extra cheese is another great idea. Grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and boosts the flavor. Just sprinkle some on top before serving for a cheesy finish. One big mistake is overcooking the orzo. If you cook it too long, it can turn mushy. Always taste it a minute or two before the time is up. Don’t skip adjusting the seasoning. After mixing in the cheese, taste your dish. Add salt and pepper as needed. This will enhance all the flavors and make your meal truly delicious. Pro Tips Use Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Opt for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor and creamier texture in your dish. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative. Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking together and ensure even cooking. Add a Kick: For a spicy twist, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture. {{image_2}} You can make this dish heartier by adding protein. Grilled chicken works well. Just slice it thin and mix it in at the end. This adds flavor and makes the meal more filling. For a vegetarian option, consider chickpeas or tofu. They add protein and blend well with the creamy sauce. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. Spinach or kale are great choices. They wilt nicely into the warm orzo. Bell peppers add a nice crunch. Chop them up and toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This not only adds color but also texture to your dish. Want to spice things up? Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Sprinkle some in while cooking the sauce. You can also experiment with different cheese types. Feta or goat cheese can add a tangy twist to the creamy orzo. Each type brings a unique flavor, so feel free to mix and match! To store leftovers of your creamy sun-dried tomato orzo, first cool it completely. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They are safe and easy to clean. Make sure to cover it well to avoid any drying out. You can reheat your orzo in two ways: microwaving or stovetop heating. For microwaving, place a portion in a bowl. Heat it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For stovetop reheating, warm a pan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep the dish creamy. Stir gently until it’s hot. Yes, you can freeze creamy orzo! To do this, let it cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’s best to use it within 2-3 months for the best flavor. When you’re ready to eat it, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use the stovetop method for the best texture. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To store it, place it in an airtight container. Let it cool before sealing. This helps keep the orzo fresh and safe to eat. Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. These options will reduce the fat content. The orzo might not be as rich, but it will still taste good. If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, try roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes. They add a nice flavor, too. You can also use tomato paste for a more intense tomato taste. - Other questions users often ask regarding substitutes: - Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, gluten-free orzo works well. - What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese? Try using Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. - Nutritional information and dietary considerations: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo contains carbohydrates from the orzo, protein from the cheese, and healthy fats from the cream. It’s a rich dish, so consider portion sizes. You can make it healthier by adding more vegetables or using lower-fat dairy options. This blog post covered all the steps to make creamy sun-dried tomato orzo. You learned about the key ingredients, how to cook the pasta, and prepare a rich sauce. I shared tips to help avoid mistakes and suggestions for variations. Remember, you can easily customize the recipe by adding protein or vegetables. Lastly, proper storage will keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy making this dish; it is simple and delicious! You’ll impress anyone who tastes it.$

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo

A delicious and creamy orzo pasta dish with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
to taste salt and pepper
optional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, around 8-10 minutes.
While the orzo is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and dried basil, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3 minutes.
Once the orzo is cooked, drain any excess broth and add the orzo to the skillet with the creamy sun-dried tomato mixture. Stir well to combine.
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the orzo is creamy.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve in a deep bowl, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for added flair.

Keyword creamy, orzo, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes