Best 2 Saucy Italian Orzo Recipes

**Savory and Delightful: Embark on a Culinary Journey with Saucy Italian Orzo**

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Italy with our curated collection of saucy Italian orzo recipes. From the classic one-pot orzo with sausage and vegetables to the creamy sun-dried tomato orzo and the hearty orzo with pesto and grilled chicken, our diverse selection caters to every palate. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventure, these easy-to-follow recipes will guide you in creating delectable dishes that will impress your family and friends. So, prepare your taste buds for a flavorful escapade as we delve into the art of crafting delectable Italian orzo dishes.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CREAMY ORZO

Creamy Orzo image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories side-dish

Time 25m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large shallot, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, juices drained
1 1/4 cups whipping cream
1 cup frozen peas, thawed

Steps:

Bring a heavy large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic, and saute until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook until they are tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in the cream and peas. Add the orzo and toss to coat. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the Parmesan to the pasta mixture and toss to coat. Stir the pasta mixture until the sauce coats the pasta thickly, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to maintain a creamy consistency. Season the orzo with salt and pepper, and serve.

SAUCY ITALIAN ORZO

Saucy Italian Orzo image

Orzo is a fun twist in this hearty, saucy Italian dish. Spinach not only provides color and flavor, but also gives this meal a healthy kick. Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes with basil, oregano and garlic
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
3/4 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups fresh baby spinach

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, cook the beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain., Stir in the tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, orzo and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until orzo is tender. Add spinach; cook and stir until spinach is wilted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340 calories, Fat 12g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 57mg cholesterol, Sodium 1054mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 24g protein.

Tips:

Use good quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful stock will make a big difference in the final dish.
Don't overcook the orzo: It should be cooked al dente, with a slight bite to it.
Add the vegetables towards the end of cooking: This will help them retain their color and texture.
Season the dish to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices as needed.
Serve immediately: Orzo is best enjoyed fresh out of the pot.

Conclusion:

This saucy Italian orzo is a quick and easy weeknight meal that is sure to please the whole family. It's packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful tomato sauce. The orzo cooks in just 10 minutes, making this a great meal for busy weeknights. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this saucy Italian orzo a try. You won't be disappointed.