This recipe for One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo came together last minute when I just needed to get something going for dinner one night. We love to eat out, but I never want to spend the extra money because I didn’t plan well enough to make something at home. I want to eat out so we can do something special or celebrate something!
So last week I just had one of the those days where I didn’t think about dinner until everyone was already hungry and starting to turn on me. I looked in the pantry and saw a can of fire roasted tomatoes and a bag of DeLallo Whole Wheat Orzo… plus I knew there was some baby spinach in the fridge along with some Italian turkey sausage. Sometimes you just have to start cooking with what you have and hope it all works out, right?
Then when everyone is practically licking their bowls clean and asking for seconds, you give yourself a little mental high five and hurry to write down exactly what you did so you can do it again! Victory!
Somebody sign me up for Chopped!
Just kidding, please don’t.
I love that this dish is not only quick to make, but healthy too. We’ve got turkey sausage and lots of veggies, plus whole wheat pasta! And only one pot to clean up… have I convinced you yet?
Stock your fridge and pantry with all the ingredients and keep this one in your pocket for a busy day dinner plan this week! Enjoy friends!
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One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
The whole family will love this One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo made with turkey sausage, fire roasted tomatoes, red peppers, spinach, cheese and whole wheat pasta!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound Italian turkey sausage (casings removed)
- salt and pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 14.5 can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup basil pesto*
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cups chopped baby spinach
- 1 cup whole wheat orzo ( I used DeLallo)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large heavy bottomed pot, melt butter over medium high heat. Add sausage and crumble as it browns. When the sausage is browned add red peppers and saute for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Add fire roasted tomatoes, basil pesto, chicken broth, heavy cream and sugar. Bring to a boil, and then add spinach and orzo. Stir. Turn heat down to medium low, cover and cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. When orzo is just tender, uncover and simmer a few more minutes to thicken the sauce. Stir in the cheese and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Serve with extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired!
Notes
*I used a pre-made pesto from Trader Joe’s
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 673
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 2451mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18.2g
- Trans Fat: 1.1g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 153mg
Izzy | pinch of delight says
This looks amazing!
Chris Scheuer says
You did a delicious job of what I call “making something out of nothing” Julie! I’m glad you wrote it down!
Julie says
Thank you Chris! Happens more than I would like… I used to be so organized!?!
Nancy says
This looked so good that I ran out to the store for the ingredients I didn’t have. It was easy and quick to make and really delicious! I will be making this again for sure. Loved your creativity!
Sara says
I’ve made this twice now with veggie sausage and vegetable broth. So good. My vegetarian husband asks for it now!
Julie says
Hi Sara – Glad you could make the recipe work for you! Thanks for letting me know how it turned out!
Stephanie says
Made this tonight and my family devoured it! So yummy and easy!
Rob says
I made this for dinner and it tasted amazing! I used Italian Pork Sausage and plain white Orzo pasta (as that’s what I had in cupboard), but I will try whole wheat next time as I will be making this again for sure! Thanks!
Julie says
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Rob. Thanks for saying hello!
Kim Chapin says
I make this with Risotto (gluten free) – so good!
Julie says
Great, thanks Kim!
Lindsay Glasspoole says
Holy moly this was delicious! Randomly came across this recipe when looking for something to make with orzo and canned tomatoes – I had a make a few adjustments , didn’t have spinach but used some broccoli. I also added in baby sweet peppers . Makes a nice portion and more than enough for leftovers ! I I’ll definitely make again.