Warm Belly Orzo
Cozy up with a comforting bowl of Warm Belly Orzo, a one-pan delight that's as nourishing as it is flavorful. This recipe combines tender orzo pasta simmered in a rich vegetable broth with hearty bites of carrots, zucchini, and baby spinach for a wholesome base. Elevated with creamy heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and a touch of smoked paprika, this dish offers a velvety texture and a burst of depth in every bite. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley add a bright, zesty finish to this satisfying, vegetarian-friendly meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 35-minute recipe is ideal for warming your soul with its silky, savory charm.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced zucchini. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the orzo pasta to the pan and stir to coat it in the oil and vegetables, allowing it to toast lightly for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt for 2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and mix in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir until the sauce is creamy and the orzo is well-coated.
Remove the pan from the heat and add the lemon juice for a fresh burst of flavor.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for a bright finish.
Serve warm and enjoy your comforting bowl of Warm Belly Orzo!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1849 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 83.7 g | 107% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.0 g | 170% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 140 mg | 47% | |
| Sodium | 3164 mg | 138% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 226.0 g | 82% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.4 g | 87% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.3 g | ||
| Protein | 51.9 g | 104% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 538 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 12.0 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 2502 mg | 53% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
