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–+ servings
Creamy Veggie Orzo sitting in pan with gold handles.

Creamy Veggie Orzo

Patricia Martinescu from Bake Cook Repeat
When I don't know what to make for dinner, this Creamy Veggie Orzo is the perfect recipe.
5 from 6 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8
Calories 512 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 16 ounces orzo
  • 1/4 cup pasta water
  • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1½ cups Parmesan freshly shredded
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach chopped
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 large red bell pepper sliced
  • 16 ounces mushrooms sliced
  • 6 garlic cloves 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. 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.
    16 ounces orzo
  • In a large pan or Dutch oven, add butter, diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat until soft, fragrant and translucent.
    1 medium onion, 6 garlic cloves, 4 Tablespoons butter
  • Add the seasonings and sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 20-25 minutes until most of water is evaporated and have slightly caramelized. Then, add the bell peppers and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until soft.
    16 ounces mushrooms, 2 large red bell pepper
  • Add the heavy whipping cream and pasta water. Bring to a simmer for at least 5 minutes, then add freshly grated Parmesan and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
    1½ cups heavy whipping cream, 1½ cups Parmesan, 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

Calories: 512kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 18gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 366mgPotassium: 464mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2261IUVitamin C: 55mgCalcium: 274mgIron: 1mg

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 Disclaimer
Keyword Easy dinner, Easy recipes, One-pot meals
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