One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo
Try this One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt and pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 red pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic pressed or minced
- 1 pound italian turkey sausage (casings removed)
- 14.5 can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup basil pesto*
- 2 cups chopped baby spinach
- 1 cup whole wheat orzo ( i used delallo)
- Carbohydrate 29.8094375005896 g
- Cholesterol 490.940937526532 mg
- Fat 103.646365633252 g
- Fiber 7.51224997162819 g
- Protein 122.363290628283 g
- Saturated Fat 33.0049091717898 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (1467g)
- Sodium 947.752226705389 mg
- Sugar 22.2971875289614 g
- Trans Fat 8.83353229216047 g
- Calories 1548 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large heavy bottomed pot, melt butter over medium high heat.
- Add sausage and crumble as it browns.
- When the sausage is browned add red peppers and saute for 2-3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Add fire roasted tomatoes, basil pesto, chicken broth, heavy cream and sugar.
- Bring to a boil, and then add spinach and orzo.
- Stir.
- Turn heat down to medium low, cover and cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When orzo is just tender, uncover and simmer a few more minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Stir in the cheese and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Serve with extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired!
One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like an impossible task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the never-ending to-do list. But I refuse to let my family's dinner suffer because of my hectic schedule. That's why I've become a master of quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful one-pot meals. This One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo is a perfect example of a recipe that tastes like it took hours to make, but actually comes together in under 30 minutes. It's the kind of dish that my entire family loves, and best of all, it cleans up in a flash – a huge bonus after a long day.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s all about letting high-quality ingredients shine. The creamy tomato sauce is rich and satisfying, the orzo perfectly cooked, and the sausage adds a wonderful savory depth. I often use Italian turkey sausage to keep things a little lighter, but feel free to experiment with your favorite type. I love the burst of freshness from the spinach and the sharp tang of the Parmesan. It's a complete meal, offering a satisfying balance of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables – exactly what a tired mama needs!
Beyond the Weeknight: But this dish isn't just for busy weeknights. It's also surprisingly versatile and adaptable. On a chilly weekend, I might add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. For a more elegant touch, I sometimes use fresh herbs instead of pesto, or I'll add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. The possibilities are truly endless! The key is to keep it simple, and to allow the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. This One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo is a testament to the fact that a delicious and healthy meal doesn’t have to be complicated. It's about using smart shortcuts and enjoying the process of creating something delicious for your loved ones.
Tips and Tricks:
- Don't overcook the orzo: Orzo cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it to avoid mushiness. The perfect texture is slightly al dente.
- Taste and adjust: Seasoning is key! Taste the sauce as it simmers and add more salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. Everyone's preferences are different!
- Make it your own: This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, meats, or cheeses to create your own variations.
- Leftovers are a treat: This dish reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day!
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. So next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dinner, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed.
Embrace the simplicity, enjoy the flavor, and savour the moments. Happy cooking!
