The Best Creamy One-Pot Orzo with Spinac

Craving a Delicious, Easy Dinner That’s Ready in Minutes?

Picture this: a creamy, flavorful dish bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and naturally delicious white beans. Sounds amazing, right? Well, get ready to fall in love with this One-Pot White Bean, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo recipe! It’s not only incredibly tasty, but it’s also surprisingly simple to make. Forget slaving away in the kitchen; this recipe is all about ease and maximum flavor!

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes and more time to relax.
The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and white beans creates a naturally vibrant and satisfying flavor.
The creamy orzo texture is comforting and pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
It’s naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan, perfect for diverse diets.
It’s quick to make, ready in about 30 minutes, ideal for a busy weeknight meal.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets this one-pot orzo apart is how naturally all the flavors come together without requiring a ton of steps. This isn’t your typical creamy pasta dish; the sun-dried tomatoes provide a tangy sweetness, while the spinach adds a naturally earthy element. And the white beans aren’t just there for protein – they contribute a wonderful creaminess when cooked right in the pot with the orzo. The entire thing gets infused with flavor as it cooks, making each bite incredibly delicious.

Ingredient List

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup orzo pasta
3 cups vegetable broth
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – they naturally add a creaminess to the sauce.
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and roughly chopped
5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo pasta, coating it well with the oil and aromatics.
Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to low.
Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir everything together.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to take your one-pot orzo to the next level? Here are a few ways to customize it:

Lemon Zest: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Toasted Pine Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for a bit of crunch.
Crushed Red Pepper: Add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper on top for more heat.
Feta Cheese: Crumble some feta cheese on top as a naturally salty alternative to Parmesan.

Expert Tips

Don’t overcook the orzo; it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Check it a few minutes before the recommended cooking time.
Be sure to drain the sun-dried tomatoes well before chopping them; excess oil can make the dish too greasy.
Use good quality broth; it is a key part of the flavor profile. A rich broth makes for an even better-tasting dish.
If the orzo is too thick after cooking, add a splash of broth or water to reach desired consistency.
Stir often during the simmering process to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of bean?
Yes, you can substitute cannellini beans with other white beans like great northern or navy beans. These beans naturally provide similar creamy textures.
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese and make sure your broth is vegetable-based. You could add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor as well.
Can I substitute fresh spinach with frozen?
Yes, frozen spinach works well. Thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the pot. It may naturally add a little extra water to the orzo, so keep that in mind.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop with a little extra broth or water, or in the microwave.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the components (chop veggies, etc.) ahead, but the orzo is best cooked fresh. It tends to absorb liquid over time. If you make it ahead, add a bit of liquid when you reheat it to get back to the right consistency.

Variations and Customization Options

This recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Add some protein: Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a non-vegetarian version. Cook separately and stir in at the end.
Change the vegetables: Try adding roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts instead of, or along with, the sun-dried tomatoes.
Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley, in addition to or instead of basil.
Cheese: Mix in a creamy goat cheese for a tangy twist or use mozzarella for a melty texture.

Serving Suggestions

This one-pot orzo is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad, some crusty bread for dipping, or some roasted vegetables would naturally make a wonderful accompaniment. You could also serve it as a side dish to grilled meats or fish.

Get Cooking!

So, are you ready to whip up this incredibly easy, incredibly delicious One-Pot White Bean, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo? It’s a meal that’s both comforting and impressive, without requiring hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and discover how naturally satisfying this recipe can be. Don’t forget to share your photos and tag us – we can’t wait to see your culinary creations!

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes and baking tips delivered straight to your inbox!