Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you have a delicious one-pot recipe that’s quick, wholesome, and packed with flavor. This One-Pot White Bean, Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender orzo, hearty cannellini beans, vibrant spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is nutritious.

With minimal cleanup and a balance of creamy, savory, and tangy flavors, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Simple and Quick: With just one pot, the cooking process is streamlined, and cleanup is a breeze.
• Balanced Nutrition: Packed with plant-based protein, leafy greens, and fiber, it’s a wholesome meal in itself.
• Full of Flavor: The sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, and garlic-herb cheese add layers of rich, tangy, and creamy flavors.

Ingredients for One-Pot White Bean, Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo

• 1 cup thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes in oil, plus 2 tablespoons oil from the jar (divided)
• 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
• 1 cup whole-wheat orzo
• 3 cups unsalted vegetable broth
• 2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed
• 1 (14.5-ounce) jar marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 (5-ounce) package baby spinach
• 1 (5.2-ounce) package garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese (such as Boursin)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Shallots

• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
• Add the thinly sliced shallots and cook, stirring frequently, for about 6 minutes until they are translucent and aromatic.

2. Toast the Orzo

• Stir in 1 cup of whole-wheat orzo. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the orzo is lightly toasted. This enhances its nutty flavor.

3. Add the Core Ingredients

• Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes, vegetable broth, rinsed cannellini beans, drained artichoke hearts, salt, and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked al dente.

4. Incorporate the Spinach and Cheese

• Remove the lid and stir in the package of baby spinach and the garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese.
• Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring often, until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.

5. Finish with Balsamic Vinegar and Basil

• Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
• Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Healthy Ingredients with Big Flavor

This dish combines whole-food ingredients like beans, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, with a touch of indulgence from creamy garlic-herb cheese.

One-Pot Convenience

Everything cooks in one skillet, making it perfect for those nights when you want to minimize cleanup.

Customizable for Any Diet

Easily adapt this recipe for vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary preferences with simple swaps like dairy-free cheese or gluten-free pasta.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	340
Protein	15g
Carbohydrates	45g
Total Fat	10g
Fiber	7g
Sodium	450mg

Tips for Perfect One-Pot White Bean, Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo

Use High-Quality Ingredients

• Opt for jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil for added richness.
• Fresh basil and garlic-herb cheese elevate the dish’s flavor.

Toast the Orzo

Taking the time to toast the orzo in the pan before adding the liquid enhances its flavor and prevents it from clumping.

Don’t Skip the Vinegar

The balsamic vinegar adds brightness and balances the creamy richness of the dish.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of vegetable broth if the mixture thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply replace the garlic-and-herb cheese with a vegan alternative and ensure your vegetable broth is plant-based.

2. What can I use instead of cannellini beans?

You can substitute cannellini beans with chickpeas, navy beans, or even butter beans.

3. Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Replace the orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa for a similar texture and taste.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers would be great additions to this dish.

5. What protein options can I add?

If you’re not sticking to a vegetarian dish, grilled chicken or shrimp would pair beautifully with the flavors.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If making ahead, leave out the spinach and cheese, and stir them in when reheating.

Conclusion

This One-Pot White Bean, Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of vibrant, wholesome ingredients brought together in a creamy, satisfying dish. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re entertaining guests.

Why not give it a try tonight? Grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and treat yourself to a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious!

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