Let me tell you about my absolute favorite, go-to recipe: one pot orzo! This dish has become a family staple in my home, and I can’t help but get excited every time I make it. It’s so simple yet bursting with flavor, and the best part? Everything cooks in just one pot! I love how the orzo absorbs the rich vegetable broth, bringing together the fresh cherry tomatoes and vibrant spinach. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! Whether I’m in a rush or just want a comforting meal, this one pot orzo always hits the spot. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to gather all these ingredients before you start cooking, so you can enjoy the process without any interruptions. Trust me, having everything prepped and ready to go makes a world of difference!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it warm enough to sauté the onions without burning them.
- Once the oil’s shimmering, toss in the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Cook those for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Now it’s time to stir in the orzo pasta along with the vegetable broth, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure everything’s mixed in well!
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens!
- When the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth, fold in the chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts down.
- And voilà! Serve it hot right from the pot for a cozy meal that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot wonder—minimal cleanup means more time for you to relax!
- Quick prep and cook time, so you can whip this up in about 25 minutes.
- Deliciously flavorful with fresh veggies and herbs, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
- Healthy ingredients make it a guilt-free meal option packed with nutrients.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner with family or friends.
Trust me, once you’ve tried this one pot orzo, it’ll become a beloved recipe in your kitchen too!
Tips for Success
To make your one pot orzo absolutely perfect, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t be afraid to play around with the veggies—zucchini, bell peppers, or even some fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add a lovely twist. If you want to boost the protein, toss in some cooked chicken, chickpeas, or even feta cheese right before serving for that extra creaminess!
Also, keep an eye on the cooking time. Orzo can become mushy if overcooked, so check it a minute or two before the timer goes off. Finally, don’t skip the seasoning! A little extra salt and pepper can really enhance the flavors, so taste as you go. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your dish to a whole new level!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch up your one pot orzo! Try adding some diced bell peppers or a handful of frozen peas for a pop of color and sweetness. You can also experiment with different herbs—fresh basil or thyme can really brighten the dish. For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick!
Want to make it heartier? Toss in some cooked shrimp, sausage, or even lentils for added protein. You can truly make this dish your own, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No worries! To store your one pot orzo, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly so it doesn’t dry out!
When it’s time to reheat, you’ve got a couple of options. I like to use a skillet for the best results. Just add a splash of vegetable broth or water to the pan, toss in your orzo, and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This helps bring back that lovely creamy texture.
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, add a bit of liquid, cover it, and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between. This way, you won’t lose any of that delicious flavor!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional content of my one pot orzo! Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying yet light meal. You’ll find around 8g of fat, which includes just 1g of saturated fat. It packs in about 7g of protein, along with 38g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber. Plus, this dish has 3g of sugar and 400mg of sodium. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, but that’s part of the fun of cooking!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo gives this dish its signature texture, you can swap it out for other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may vary!
How can I make this one pot orzo dish more filling?
If you want to bump up the protein, try adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even some canned beans like chickpeas. They’ll meld beautifully with the flavors and make the meal extra satisfying.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance! Chop your vegetables and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the steps like usual. However, I recommend serving it fresh for the best texture!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! One pot orzo is perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to store it in individual portions so you can grab a serving anytime. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What can I serve with one pot orzo?
This dish is a great stand-alone meal, but if you want to serve it alongside something, a simple side salad or some crusty bread would be perfect. It’s all about balancing those flavors!
One Pot Orzo: 7 Comforting Flavors You’ll Love
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful one pot orzo dish that combines pasta with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in orzo, vegetable broth, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- For added protein, include cooked chicken or beans.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: one pot orzo, orzo recipe, easy pasta dish