Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
A vibrant plate of cooked orzo pasta garnished with fresh herbs, served in a rustic skillet for a simple, delicious dinner.

One-Pot Orzo Perfection: A Deliciously Simple Dinner

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Discover the ultimate one-pot orzo dinner that combines creamy cheese, fresh vegetables, and savory broth for a quick, easy, and delicious meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this simple recipe offers rich flavors with minimal cleanup, making it a family favorite and a staple in your dinner rotation.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups of dry orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup of fresh spinach, chopped
  • ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for added protein or flavor

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, cook onions until translucent, then add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  2. Cook the Orzo and Vegetables: Add orzo, toast for 1 minute, pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Mix in cherry tomatoes and spinach, cook for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften and spinach wilts.
  4. Finish with Cheese and Season: Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and add cooked chicken or shrimp if desired. Optional: squeeze lemon or drizzle olive oil for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Use high-quality broth for a richer taste.
  • Stir greens gently to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
  • Adjust seasoning as needed, adding spices or herbs for variation.
  • Customize with additional vegetables or proteins for variety.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian (if using vegetable broth and no meat)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 63g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg