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Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Orzo

creamy one-pot tuscan orzo - featured image
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A quick and comforting one-pot Tuscan orzo recipe featuring creamy cottage cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (about 170g)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil recommended)
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach, loosely packed
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (720ml)
  • ½ cup cottage cheese (120g), blended until smooth
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh basil, torn (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients (5 minutes): Mince the garlic, chop sun-dried tomatoes, and loosely tear the baby spinach. Blend the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
  2. Heat the Pan (2 minutes): Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large deep skillet or sauté pan.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes (3-4 minutes): Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir frequently until garlic is fragrant and tomatoes soften slightly.
  4. Add Orzo and Broth (1 minute): Pour in orzo, stirring to coat with garlic oil mixture. Add broth and increase heat to medium-high to bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Simmer and Stir (10-12 minutes): Reduce heat to medium-low, cover loosely, and cook orzo, stirring every few minutes until tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add more broth if too dry.
  6. Incorporate Spinach and Creamy Base (3 minutes): Stir in baby spinach to wilt, then fold in blended cottage cheese and Parmesan cheese until sauce is creamy.
  7. Season and Brighten (1-2 minutes): Add lemon juice, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir well.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Transfer to bowls, sprinkle torn fresh basil if using, and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

If sauce thickens too much when standing, add a splash of broth or water when reheating. Use a heavy-bottomed pan to avoid scorching. Blend cottage cheese until smooth for best texture. Stir orzo regularly to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan orzo, creamy orzo, one-pot meal, comfort food, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, cottage cheese, quick dinner

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-one-pot-tuscan-orzo-recipe-easy-comfort-meal-in-30-minutes/