This dish is a delightful blend of Italian flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Tuscany.

With ingredients like orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and onions, this recipe is not only tasty but also simple to prepare.

Whether you’re serving it alongside a main course or enjoying it as a light lunch, Creamy Tuscan Orzo is sure to please your taste buds and fit within your dietary goals.

The Ingredients

Orzo: A type of short cut pasta that’s low in fat and rich in carbohydrates, which provides a steady source of energy. It also has a higher fiber content than rice.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Unlike fresh tomatoes, their intense taste comes from the dehydration process, which removes water but leaves behind all the essential flavors and nutrients.

Packed with antioxidants like lycopene, sun-dried tomatoes are not just flavorful but also incredibly nutritious. Lycopene is known for its potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases and promoting heart health.

These tomatoes are also rich in vitamins C and K, along with essential minerals such as iron and potassium.

Fresh Spinach: This leafy green is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, all of which are essential for maintaining good health. Vitamin A is crucial for vision and immune function, vitamin C supports the immune system and skin health, and vitamin K is important for blood clotting and bone health.

Additionally, spinach is a good source of iron, which helps transport oxygen throughout the body, and calcium, which is vital for bone health.

Incorporating spinach into this dish is an excellent way to boost its nutritional content without adding many calories.

Chicken Broth: I used this instead of water to add more flavor to the orzo. If you want a vegetarian dish you could use vegetable broth instead.

Fat Free Half and Half: Instead of using cream I used fat free half and half. It adds creaminess to the dish at a fraction of the points.

Parmesan Cheese: Shredded Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty, savory flavor to the orzo.

Yellow Onion: Using yellow onion added a taste of sweetness to the dish. I sautéed the onion in extra virgin olive oil before adding the orzo.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for this recipe. Using a garlic press makes it very easy to mince the garlic.

Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper were used to season the orzo.

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How to Make Creamy Tuscan Orzo

I limited the amount of oil in this recipe so it’s best to use a nonstick skillet.

Heat the nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and chopped onions.

Sauté the onions for 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for 1 minute.

Add the orzo, chicken broth, fat free half and half, sun dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning to the pan. Bring it to a boil then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 8 minutes.

Stir the spinach and Parmesan cheese into the orzo and cook for 1 minute.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Tuscan Orzo pairs excellently with grilled chicken breast or fish. Both can be prepared so they are 0 points or low in points.

For a vegetarian option, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a hearty vegetable stew. Simply replace the chicken broth in the orzo with vegetable broth.

If you’re looking for something lighter, a fresh garden salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing can be a great accompaniment.

For a more indulgent option, consider serving Creamy Tuscan Orzo with a side of garlic bread or focaccia. The bread can be used to scoop up any remaining sauce, making the meal even more enjoyable.

Prep Time:10

Cook Time:10

Total Time:20

Ingredients

1 cup orzo (uncooked)
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup fat free half and half
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes
1 cup baby spinach, packed
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Add the oil to a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for 1 minute.
Add the orzo, chicken broth, sun dried tomatoes, fat free half and half, and Italian seasoning. Bring it to a boil then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir the spinach and Parmesan cheese into the orzo and cook for 1 minute. It's best served when warm.

Here are some more Weight Watchers friendly recipes:

Greek Orzo Salad

Southwest Chicken Orzo

Garlic Chicken Orzo

Lemon Garlic Orzo

If you’re looking for some zero point recipes, check out my post 20 Zero Point Recipes or my post 20 (More) Zero Point Recipes. Both are filled with delicious recipes that won’t cost you a single point! They’re perfect for days when you’re running low on points, or trying to save up points for a night out.

If you’re looking for dessert recipes you can visit 50 Weight Watchers Freestyle Desserts. It’s filled with delicious desserts perfect for Weight Watchers!

Are you looking for a meal plan that’s Weight Watchers friendly? I have over 200 meal plans that you can choose from and I post a new one each week. Click here to check them out!