What is your review of Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo? Is this one of those recipes that just works? When you’re craving something comforting but also a little bit fancy? It’s that. Instead of cheddar overload, you get this bright, cheesey flavor. What’s a good, tangy, umami-rich flavor that I swear, the first time I made it, my husband (who usually claims he “doesn’t like” sun-dried tomatoes) did. Is it true that tomatoes) went back for thirds? And now? He begs me to make it. Is it a weeknight win for sure, ready faster than ordering takeout?

What is sun dried tomato orzo?

What is sun-dried tomato orzo? Think of it as pasta meets risotto, with a Mediterranean twist. Orzo is a type of pasta that looks like rice. Seriously, it does! What is a grain-shaped pasta? We’re not just boiling it in water, though. We’re cooking it in a broth, almost like you make risotto, which gives it this creamy, dreamy flavor. What is the star of the show? Sun-dried tomatoes! What makes this dish sing? Is this a one-pot wonder?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? I love everything about this Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo, but let me break it down for you. First, the flavor. Imagine this: the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes perfectly balanced by the salty broth and a hint of garlic. It’s this beautiful, savory symphony in your mouth. And then there’s the simplicity. This isn’t one of those recipes that requires you to dirty every dish in your kitchen. It’s mostly a one-pot deal, which means fewer dishes to wash! Major win, right? What I love most about this is how forgiving it is. Don’t have chicken broth? Vegetable broth works just fine! Want to add some spinach? Go for it! It’s really hard to mess this one up. Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-effective. Orzo and sun-dried tomatoes are pantry staples for me, so I can whip this up whenever the craving hits. This is seriously the perfect weeknight meal, special enough for company but easy enough for a Tuesday. If you love creamy pasta dishes like Cacio e Pepe or Pasta Primavera, you’re absolutely going to fall head-over-heels for this one!

How do you make sun-dried tomato orzo?

Quick Overview

How do I make a Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo? Basically, you’re going to sauté some aromatics, toast the orzo, add your liquids and then simmer. When it’s creamy and delicious, you can make it yourself. How do you stir risotto? Do you have to stand over it for a few minutes? What is the best way to create a creamy texture? This method is special because it builds flavor with each step, creating a depth that you just can’t get out of. What are some good alternatives to boiling pasta?

Ingredients

For the Main Event:

1 tablespoon olive oil: I like to use extra virgin olive for the best flavor.
1 small onion, finely chopped: Yellow or white onion works great.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh is always best!
1 cup orzo pasta: You can find this in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores.
How do I control the saltiness of chicken broth?
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained: If they’re not already julienned, give them a chop.
1/2 cup heavy cream: This adds richness and creaminess. You can substitute with half-and-half or even a splash of milk if you’re feeling lighter.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded is always better than the pre-shredded stuff.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch Oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Make sure you don’t burn the garlic! That’s a surefire way to ruin the dish.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo

Add the orzo to the pot and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is important because it adds a nutty flavor to the orzo. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to smell fragrant and turn a light golden color.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and add the sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Parmesan

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy.

What to Serve It With

This Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo is delicious on its own, but it’s also a fantastic side dish. Here are some ideas for what to serve it with:

For a Light Lunch: What is the best wayWhat is a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette?

What is a hearty dinner? Grilled Chicken, baked salmon, or roasted vegetables.

What is a vegetarian meal? Serve it alongside some grilled halloumi cheese or a hearty lentil soup. If I’m making this for a dinner party, I usually add some Grilled Shrimp on top, which my friends love! Honestly, you can’t go wrong with this recipe, as it is pretty much perfect with anything.

For Cozy Snacks: You know what, sometimes I even just eat it straight from the fridge the next day for a snack! It’s surprisingly good cold, especially with an extra sprinkle of parmesan.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo

What are some of the things I’ve learned from making this Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo countless times? How do I make it perfect every time?

Sun-Dried TomatoesMake sure you use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, as they have a richer flavor and softer texture. If you can only find dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water for about 30 minutes before using. I’ll thank you later for that little nugget of wisdom!

Broth is Key:What is the best chicken broth to use? I like low-sodium, so I can control the amount of salt in the dish.

Don’t Skip the Toasting:What is the best way to toast orzo before adding broth? I know it seems like an unnecessary step, but trust me, it’s worth it.

Creamy Texture Secrets:What is the best way to stir an orzo to create a creamy texture? It helps release the starches in pasta.

Parmesan Power: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a more intense flavor than the pre-shredded stuff. I always keep a block of Parmesan in my fridge just for this recipe!

Customization is your friend: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. I often throw in a handful of spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria love a good room temperature orzo party.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the orzo for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the orzo for a minute or two, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! You can easily make this recipe vegan by using vegetable broth, plant-based cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Just be sure to choose a brand of nutritional yeast that you enjoy the flavor of. Some brands can be a bit… funky.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

While you *could*, you won’t get the same intense flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes are concentrated in flavor, which is what makes this dish so special. If you do use fresh tomatoes, I recommend roasting them first to intensify their flavor.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, sausage, or tofu would all be delicious additions. I often add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more complete meal.

Is this dish spicy?

No, it’s not naturally spicy, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish for a little kick. I like to add a pinch to mine, but my kids aren’t huge fans, so I usually leave it out.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

While orzo is the best choice for this recipe, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta you use.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! My Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Recipe. I truly hope you give this one a try. It’s become a staple in our house, and I know you’ll love it just as much as we do. If you’re looking for other easy and delicious pasta recipes, be sure to check out my Creamy Lemon Pasta or my One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you try it. I’d also love to hear about any variations you make. And don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it!