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You can make this creamy Tuscan Orzo Pasta in just 30 minutes for the perfect crave-worthy side dish! Add grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or seafood for an amazing, easy dinner.
When you need a creamy, flavorful side dish, this delicious Tuscan Orzo Pasta is the best go-to recipe! You get amazing Italy-inspired taste from the sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and fresh thyme in the creamy sauce coating the tiny pasta shaped like grains of rice. You only need one skillet and 30 minutes for this comfort food dish!
Ingredients
Here is a quick overview of what you will need. Scroll to the printable recipe card for exact measurements.
- Sundried tomatoes and sundried tomato oil from the jar – Both are used for maximum flavor. If you prefer the sun dried tomatoes in a package without oil, you can use extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, butter, or other cooking oil. If you do not like sundried tomatoes, you could replace them with roasted red peppers.
- Garlic and spinach – These easy veggies add flavor and cook quickly. Feel free to add minced shallots, onions, carrots, or celery if you like. You can replace the spinach with kale or fresh basil if you prefer.
- Dry orzo – This small pasta is quick to cook and is so delicious! Gluten-free orzo will work just as well here.
- Broth and heavy cream – I used low-sodium chicken broth, but you could use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian or beef broth if you are pairing it with steak.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly shredded parmesan will melt the smoothest and easiest.
- Fresh thyme – Adds TONS of flavor! Substitute fresh basil, parsley, or other fresh herbs if you do not have thyme.
- Optional garnishes: lemon wedges, feta or parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, cracked black pepper, flakey salt, chopped fresh herbs
Tuscan Orzo
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp sundried tomato oil, from the jar, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cup chopped spinach leaves
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Add the sundried tomato oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat, then add the garlic and sundried tomatoes. Saute for about 30 seconds.
- Add the orzo and saute for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in the chicken broth and scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and simmer for 15-17 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked.
- Stir in the spinach, heavy cream, shredded parmesan, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme. Heat until the parmesan is melted and the spinach is wilted (about 1-2 minutes).
Notes
Feel free to substitute in kale instead of the spinach.
This is a hearty and creamy main dish with ton of sundried tomato flavor, along with fresh parmesan and fresh thyme as well.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to make creamy orzo
This easy side dish is so simple; all you need is a large skillet or pot with a lid! Follow the step-by-step guide to get the perfect texture.
Sauté
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then pour in your sundried tomato oil. Once it’s hot, add your minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just letting the garlic get nice and fragrant. Add in your orzo and continue to sauté for another 30 seconds to toast it.
Simmer
Stir in your broth to deglaze the pan, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and allow it to continue simmering for 15-17 minutes or until orzo is al dente and much of the liquid has been absorbed.
Finish
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in your spinach, heavy cream, shredded parmesan, and fresh thyme. Heat until the parmesan is melted and the spinach is wilted (about 1-2 minutes). You can garnish with fresh herbs, additional cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
What to serve with Tuscan Orzo Pasta
This is the perfect side dish to pair with nearly anything! If you meal prep meats for the week (like Italian sausage, classic meatballs, or chicken breasts) it’s easy to whip this up for a full meal! Make quick-cooking air fryer bites (like steak tips, chicken, or salmon) to provide easy protein options, great for picky eaters or parties.
More proteins to pair with creamy orzo:
Storage and Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave on 50% power in 1-minute increments, stirring between each blast. If reheating the entire dish at once, warm in a skillet over medium low heat, stirring frequently. If the pasta has soaked up a lot of the sauce, drizzle in additional heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
