Marry Me Orzo – Creamy One-Pan Pasta in Under 30 Minutes

This Marry Me Orzo is a cozy, creamy, and flavor-packed one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. With tender pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, white beans, and fresh spinach all coated in a rich, velvety sauce, it’s comfort food at its finest—without hours in the kitchen.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a romantic date night, this vegetarian recipe is protein-rich, satisfying, and made with ingredients you likely already have at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25–30 minutes.
One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Creamy & Cozy: Rich without being heavy, with plant-based goodness.

Customizable: Add mushrooms, peas, or even grilled chicken.
Vegetarian-Friendly: Easy to make vegan with non-dairy alternatives.

Ingredients

Olive oil: 2 tbsp (or substitute avocado oil or butter)
Garlic: 2 cloves, grated (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
Red pepper flakes: ¼ tsp (optional, or substitute cayenne)
Tomato paste: 3 tbsp (or use crushed tomatoes or marinara)
Sun-dried tomatoes: ¾ cup (or roasted red peppers / cherry tomatoes)
Cannellini beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained (or chickpeas / great northern beans)
Orzo: 1½ cups (or ditalini / pearl couscous)
Vegetable broth: 3 cups, low-sodium (or chicken broth / bouillon + water)
Dried oregano: 1½ tsp (or thyme / Italian seasoning)
Salt: ¾ tsp (adjust to taste)
Black pepper: to taste
Half-and-half or cream: ½ cup (or oat cream, coconut milk, or thinned Greek yogurt)
Grated parmesan: ½ cup (or vegan parmesan / nutritional yeast)
Fresh spinach: 5 oz (or kale, chard, or thawed frozen spinach)
Lemon zest & juice: from ½ lemon (optional, can substitute vinegar or wine)

How to Make Marry Me Orzo

1. Build the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add grated garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes until it darkens and smells rich.

2. Toast the Orzo

Add sun-dried tomatoes, drained beans, and orzo. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring to coat the pasta in flavor.

3. Simmer the Orzo

Pour in vegetable broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 6–8 minutes, stirring often, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. If needed, add more broth for a creamier texture.

4. Make It Creamy

Lower heat and stir in half-and-half (or cream), grated parmesan, and fresh spinach. Cook 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy and glossy.

5. Finish and Serve

Remove from heat. Stir in lemon zest and juice, then serve with extra parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Skillet Orzo

Toast the orzo first: Sautéing with tomato paste enhances flavor and prevents mushy pasta.
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: Adds richness; drain excess oil before chopping.

Stir often: Orzo cooks like risotto, giving a creamy texture without excess cream.
Add spinach last: Keeps it bright, fresh, and tender.
Finish with lemon: Cuts richness and balances flavors.

Customize easily: Add mushrooms, peas, or grilled chicken for extra protein.
Leftovers taste even better: Reheat with a splash of broth to bring back creaminess.

Storage

Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Freezer: Up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. Reheat with a splash of broth.

Nutrition (per serving, 1 of 4)

This Marry Me Orzo is the ultimate weeknight comfort food: creamy, flavorful, and ready in a flash. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or meal prep for the week! 🍽️