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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Orzo

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You have the ultimate freedom for dinner plans tonight, but may I strongly suggest this Creamy Sun- Dried Tomato and Spinach Orzo?! It’s been a family favorite for years, and I actually have a version of it in my Instant Pot Cookbook, but thought it needed a spot on my website too because it’s that good!

I love orzo for its versatility, quick cook time, and how you can use it in a variety of dishes, like in soups, pastas like this, or in salads like my Mediterranean Orzo Salad!

A plated serving of creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach orzo, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. The dish is set on a neutral plate with a rustic beige napkin and a small bowl of red pepper flakes in the background.

This dish comes together quickly and with minimal effort (woo!). It’s creamy, flavor-packed, and delicious as is or with a protein like my chicken meatballs, sausage, salmon, or steak! I mean, what’s not to love about a one-pot meal filled with orzo, Parmesan, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach? It truly feels like a restaurant-quality meal but at home.

A creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach orzo dish in a white skillet, with a wooden spoon stirring the pasta. The dish is surrounded by fresh ingredients like garlic, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes on a neutral-toned countertop.

Ingredient Notes

(For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below)

A flat-lay image showcasing the fresh ingredients for creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach orzo. The ingredients are neatly arranged and labeled, including orzo pasta, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, shallots, Parmesan cheese, basil, chili flakes, lemon zest, broth, heavy cream, and seasonings. The setup is on a neutral-toned surface with a rustic wooden board, highlighting the vibrant colors and textures of each ingredient.
  • Orzo Pasta: I love how the orzo cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully. You can find a gluten-free orzo in most stores now. I have not tested this recipe with quinoa or rice.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best taste and texture.
  • Garlic: use fresh garlic cloves, and you can either mince it or press it through a garlic press.
  • Broth: feel free to use a chicken or vegetable broth. ps: I have a homemade chicken broth recipe that is amazing in this recipe!
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, creamy consistency. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half. I haven’t tested this recipe using dairy free alternatives, but I bet coconut cream would work well, it just might change the flavor profile.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty richness to the dish.
  • Lemon: I like to use both the zest and juice to add bright flavors to the orzo.
  • Spinach: A great way to add a pop of color and extra nutrients.
  • Butter: Used to sauté the shallots and garlic.
  • Salt, Pepper, Chili flakes: Simple yet effective seasonings to elevate the dish.
A close-up shot of creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach orzo, garnished with fresh basil leaves and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The vibrant red sun-dried tomatoes, wilted green spinach, and golden orzo are coated in a rich, creamy sauce, creating a visually appetizing and flavorful dish. A fork rests on the plate, ready for serving.

Step by Step Directions

(For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below)

Expert Tips

  • Adjust the Creaminess: Add more broth for a looser consistency or extra Parmesan for a thicker sauce.
    Add Protein: Grilled chicken, meatballs, shrimp, or even crispy bacon make great protein additions.
  • Pesto Twist → Stir in a spoonful of basil pesto for a fresh, herby flavor.
  • Reheating: This dish thickens as it sits, like most pastas it absorbs all the yummy sauce. Reheat over medium-low heat and add in broth, cream, or even a little water to loosen it up and make it creamy again.

Storage

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
A creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach orzo dish in a white skillet, garnished with fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. The orzo is coated in a rich, velvety sauce, with flecks of black pepper and Parmesan cheese. A wooden spoon rests in the pan, ready for serving, while surrounding ingredients like garlic, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes add to the rustic kitchen scene.

Which protein would you pair with this orzo?

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

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Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Orzo

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
This 25-minute Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Orzo is bursting with flavors, tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, vibrant lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Enjoy as is or with chicken, salmon, or sausage!

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. butter, unsalted
  • 1 small shallot, minced, ~1/4 cup
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • pinch chili flakes, optional
  • 1 tsp. lemon zest
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo, uncooked
  • 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped or torn
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh basil
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more to taste and for garnish (i use a microplane to get it in fine shreds)
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (juice from 1/2 lemon)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper, more Parmigiano reggiano, lemon zest, more basil, etc. 

Last step! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Saute: Melt the butter in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the shallot, season with salt, and stir until fragrant, for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and chili flakes and stir for 30 seconds.
    2 Tbsp. butter, unsalted, 1 small shallot, minced, ~1/4 cup, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste, 5 cloves garlic, minced, pinch chili flakes, optional
  • Add orzo: Add the lemon zest, orzo, and sun-dried tomatoes and stir to combine.
    1 tsp. lemon zest, 1 1/2 cups orzo, uncooked, 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • Cook until al dente: Add the broth and bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, until the pasta is al dente, ~6-8 minutes, stirring frequently so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. 
    3 cups chicken broth
  • Stir in the yumminess: Add in the spinach, basil, parmigiano reggiano, lemon juice, and cream. Stir well until creamy and spinach has wilted.
    3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped or torn, 2 Tbsp. fresh basil, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more to taste and for garnish (i use a microplane to get it in fine shreds), 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (juice from 1/2 lemon), 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Serve immediately and garnish. Enjoy!!
    Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper, more Parmigiano reggiano, lemon zest, more basil, etc. 

Video

Notes

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: This dish thickens as it sits, like most pastas it absorbs all the yummy sauce. Reheat over medium-low heat and add broth, cream, or even a little water to loosen it up and make it creamy again.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 273kcal (14%), Carbohydrates: 33g (11%), Protein: 5g (10%), Fat: 17g (26%), Saturated Fat: 11g (69%)

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is automatically calculated. It should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Kroll’s Korner can’t make any guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

📸 Photography by Creating Kaitlin

Krolls Korner

Krolls Korner

Welcome to my tiny “korner” on the Internet! I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves cookies as much as kale. (OK, maybe I like cookies a little bit more but shh, don’t tell anyone). I am so glad you’re here! Follow along for hassle free, realistic and approachable recipes.

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