Creamy Veggie Orzo
Next time you don’t know what to make for dinner tonight, this veggie orzo pasta dish is a great idea. With over 1.6 million views on Instagram, this Creamy Veggie Orzo is rich, hearty and wholesome. It combines tender orzo pasta with a creamy sauce and a medley of colorful, fresh vegetables.
Why you'll love my vegetable orzo recipe
Simple, versatile delicious dish
Orzo cooks faster than any other pasta varieties, making it a time-efficient option for busy evenings.
Comforting but light
Orzo feels cozy like pasta but because the pieces are small and this recipe is made with veggies, it doesn’t feel heavy.
What is orzo?
Orzo is a type of pasta that looks like a large grain of rice. Even though it looks like rice, it is not rice. Orzo comes from Italy and is common in Italian and Mediterranean cooking.
What can I use instead of orzo?
Orzo is the preferred shape for this dish because it’s absorbs the creamy sauce evenly, easy to eat with a spoon or fork and cooks quickly but feel free to substitute another type of pasta such as tortellini, Arborio rice or couscous. You may substitute with even more veggies for a hearty vegetarian dish.
Why do I have to measure pasta?
Too much pasta can dilute the sauce and too little pasta can make it overwhelming. Pasta is typically measured at 2 ounces per serving. Short pasta, like fusilli, penne, is usually equal to 1/2 cup when measured dry.
How to make Creamy Veggie Orzo
The section below is a quick overview of how to make this recipe. For full details, see recipe notes card below!
Boil the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta per package instructions until al dente. Don’t over-cook as it will continue to cook when you add it to the sauce. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and set aside.
Cook the mirepoix
In a large pan or heavy bottom pot, add butter, diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat until soft, fragrant and translucent. Add the seasonings, sliced mushrooms and red peppers. Cook for 20-25 minutes until mushrooms are caramelized and red peppers are soft.
Make the sauce
Add the heavy whipping cream and pasta water. Bring to a simmer for at least 10 minutes, then add freshly grated Parmesan and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.
Combine everything
Add in cooked orzo and chopped spinach. Simmer on medium-low heat until the sauce is thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly to your preference. Enjoy served warm or cold.
Expert tips from my test kitchen
Prep everything before you start cooking
This is a dish that cooks pretty quickly. Make sure all your vegetables are washed, cut into small pieces and ready to go.
Measure pasta correctly
Too much pasta can dilute the sauce and not enough pasta will make the dish overwhelming.
How do I keep orzo from sticking or overcooking?
To prevent orzo from getting mushy, cook pasta just until al dente. Orzo cooks quickly and absorbs liquid after cooking. Store leftovers with a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.
What protein can I add to my pasta?
For added protein, stir in cooked chicken breast (I don’t recommend chicken thighs for this recipe), turkey sausage, shrimp, chickpeas or white beans. You can also top it with a fried egg! For a vegetarian option, you can add roasted veggies.
What vegetables work best in Creamy Veggie Orzo?
You can use a variety of vegetables like spinach, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, small broccoli florets, a small red onion, peas or mushrooms. Choose what’s in season or what you already have on hand. Frozen veggies also work well and save time. You can also feel free to substitute the red bell pepper for a yellow bell pepper, orange bell pepper, or green bell pepper.
Can I use vegetable broth or chicken broth instead of pasta water?
Yes, you can substitute the reserved pasta water with vegetable broth or chicken broth. Just be mindful of the salt content—if your broth is salted, you may want to reduce or omit the salt added to the recipe.
Can I add extra toppings or mix-ins to this orzo recipe?
Yes, popular toppings and mix-ins include a sprinkle of feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, fresh herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Can I add lemon to this recipe?
Yes! A squeeze of lemon or lemon zest at the end adds a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce and enhances the flavor of the vegetables. It’s a great way to turn this into a vibrant lemon orzo that feels light and refreshing—perfect for pairing with grilled chicken or seafood.
Occasions to Serve
- Main course: Perfect for a quick weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, and make-ahead lunches. It holds up well at room temperature, making it a great option for potlucks or outdoor meals (especially when paired with grilled veggies from a grill basket or a classic potato salad).
- Birthdays, baby showers or parties: Inspired by the comforting style of Ina Garten, this dish brings together simple ingredients, rich flavor, and a touch of elegance – making it feel special without the fuss. This recipe pairs well with an easy parmesan side salad or crusty bread.
How to store leftover Creamy Veggie Orzo
Once the pasta is completely cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Re-heat in the microwave at 15 second intervals or on the stovetop in a small saucepan until warm. Adjust creaminess by adding a splash of cold water or heavy cream when reheating.
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Creamy Veggie Orzo
Ingredients
- 16 ounces orzo
- 1/4 cup pasta water
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups Parmesan cheese freshly shredded
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 large red bell pepper sliced
- 12 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 4 Tablespoons butter unsalted
For the seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning plus additional, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Cook orzo per package instructions until al dente. Don't over-cook as it will continue to cook when you add it to the sauce. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and set aside.16 ounces orzo
- In a large pan or Dutch oven, add butter, diced onions and minced garlic cloves. Cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat until soft, fragrant and translucent.1 medium yellow onion, 6 cloves garlic, 4 Tablespoons butter
- Add the seasonings, sliced mushrooms and red peppers. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the mushrooms are caramelized and the red peppers are soft.12 ounces mushrooms, 1 large red bell pepper
- Add the heavy whipping cream and pasta water to the sautéed veggies. Bring to a simmer for at least 10 minutes, then add freshly grated Parmesan and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 15-18 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened. It will continue to thicken as it cools.2 cups heavy whipping cream, 2 cups Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 cup pasta water
- Add in cooked orzo and chopped spinach. Simmer on medium-low heat until the sauce is thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly to your preference. Enjoy served warm or cold.2 cups fresh baby spinach, 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Nutrition
The provided nutritional value above is an estimate per serving. 100% accuracy is not guarenteed. Please see Nutrition Information Disclaimer in our Privacy Policy.
Nutrition Information DisclaimerLooking for more cozy dishes like this? Check out my latest recipes by browsing the primary navigation for simple, flavorful meals that don’t take hours to make.
6 Responses
Wow. This meal is a repeat in my household and amazes me everytime. My grandkids especially ask for it. So happy I tried it out!
Thank you for the lovely review, Dae!
This pasta is so yummy and creamy! I absolutely love it! Such a hit with my family. I also like adding a little bacon on top for fun!
We’re loving your take on our popular recipe!
I love that I can make this warm or cold. A crowd pleaser at parties and gatherings.
Thank you, Oana!