Name: Creamy Goat Cheese & Roasted Red Pepper Orzo
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 250g (8 oz) risoni (orzo) or other small pasta (ditalini, tiny stars); 2 tsp kosher salt (for cooking pasta); 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 red onion, halved and sliced into thin strips (sub regular onion); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 310g (10 oz) jar fire-roasted red peppers, drained and chopped into 1” pieces; 2 cups tomato passata (or tomato purée); ½ cup sliced Kalamata olives (or other briny ingredient like pickles, chopped); ¼ tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 120g (4 oz) creamy goat cheese (or feta-style goat cheese); 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed; 1 tbsp chopped parsley (plus extra for garnish)

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There’s something truly magical about a bowl of creamy, flavor-packed orzo, and this dish is no exception. Picture this: tender orzo pasta enveloped in a velvety goat cheese sauce, kissed with the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but is secretly effortless—one of those dishes you’ll turn to again and again.

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Trust me, you’re going to love this one! It’s rich and creamy, yet light enough to enjoy any time of the year. Plus, it’s packed with bold flavors that make every bite exciting. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, this orzo is about to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile: Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a potluck dish, this orzo fits the occasion. Serve it on its own or pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies.

Quick and Easy: You’ll have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Creamy and Comforting: The tangy goat cheese melts into the orzo, creating a luscious sauce that clings to every bite. Add in the smoky-sweet roasted red peppers, and you’ve got a flavor explosion!

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. No need for fancy or hard-to-find items.

Customizable: Love spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer a protein boost? Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas. This dish is flexible enough to match your cravings!

Ingredients

Orzo Pasta: The base of this dish—small, tender pasta that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.

Goat Cheese: The star ingredient, bringing a rich, tangy creaminess to the dish.

Roasted Red Peppers: Smoky, slightly sweet, and bursting with flavor. You can roast your own or use jarred for convenience.

Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic warmth to the dish.

Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Used to cook the orzo, infusing it with extra flavor.

Olive Oil: Helps sauté the garlic and adds a hint of richness.

Parmesan Cheese: For extra umami and a salty bite.

Fresh Herbs (Basil or Parsley): Brightens up the dish with a fresh, herby finish.

Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the flavors and brings balance to the dish.

Instructions

Cook the Orzo: In a large pot, bring broth to a boil and cook the orzo until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Sauté the Garlic: While the orzo is cooking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add the Roasted Peppers: Stir in the chopped roasted red peppers and let them warm through. This helps bring out their natural sweetness.

Combine with Orzo: Drain the orzo (if necessary) and add it to the pan with the garlic and peppers. Stir to combine.

Melt in the Cheese: Crumble in the goat cheese and Parmesan, stirring until melted and creamy. The residual heat will help everything come together beautifully.

Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for a bright, finishing touch.

Serve and Enjoy: Plate up your creamy orzo and savor every bite.

How to Serve Creamy Goat Cheese & Roasted Red Pepper Orzo

As a Main Dish: Enjoy it as a comforting vegetarian meal on its own.
With Protein: Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even seared tofu for a protein-packed dinner.
Alongside a Salad: A crisp arugula or spinach salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.
With Bread: Serve it with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Roast the peppers and chop your garlic in advance for an even quicker meal.
Make it Spicier: A dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne can add a kick of heat.
Use a Different Cheese: Not a fan of goat cheese? Try feta or cream cheese for a milder twist.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy.
Double the Batch: This dish makes great leftovers—consider making extra for easy lunches!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
A1: Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or pearl couscous work well as substitutes.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Cook the orzo and mix in everything except the cheese. Reheat gently, then stir in the cheese right before serving for the best texture.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Freezing is possible, but the texture may change slightly. If freezing, add a splash of broth when reheating to restore the creaminess.

Q5: How do I reheat it without drying it out?
A5: Warm it in a pan over low heat with a little extra broth or milk to maintain the creamy consistency.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A6: Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes would be delicious additions.

Q7: Is this dish gluten-free?
A7: No, but you can swap orzo for gluten-free pasta or quinoa to make it GF-friendly.

Q8: Can I use a different cheese?
A8: Yes! Try feta for a saltier kick or Boursin for an herby twist.

Q9: What’s the best broth to use?
A9: Either vegetable or chicken broth works great—use what you have on hand.

Q10: Can I serve this cold as a pasta salad?
A10: Yes! Let it cool and serve as a cold pasta salad with extra herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Goat Cheese & Roasted Red Pepper Orzo is a dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. It’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with the smoky sweetness of roasted peppers. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit.