High-Protein Marry Me Orzo

5 from 3 votes

By: Sarah C, November 4, 2024 / Updated: November 26, 2024

Sarah Cobacho holding a bowl of creamy orzo with butter beans and basil, ready to eat.

This delicious Marry Me Orzo is a twist on my viral high-protein Marry Me Pasta meal prep. It’s packed with 36g of plant-based protein and 24g of fiber per serving. Cozy, comforting, and made in just one pot (yay for fewer dishes!), it comes together in under 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Imagine an elevated, creamy pasta bowl bursting with nutrients—especially iron, with 10mg per serving! This one is definitely on repeat for me!

Close-up of a bowl of creamy orzo with butter beans topped with fresh basil.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • High-Protein: With 36 g of protein per serving, this orzo dish is perfect for those aiming to increase their plant-based protein intake.
  • Iron-Rich: Each serving provides 10 mg of iron, supporting energy levels and essential bodily functions. The absorption of the non-heme iron is enhanced by its pairing with vitamin C and alliums (garlic and onion).
  • High-Fiber: Contains 24 g of fiber. A high-fiber diet supports digestive and gut health by promoting regular bowel movements and nourishing beneficial gut bacteria. It also helps manage blood sugar, lowers cholesterol, and promotes fullness, reducing the risk of heart disease and aiding in weight control.
  • Quick and Creamy: Comes together in just 25 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights when you crave a creamy, satisfying meal.
Vibrant ingredients for a creamy orzo dish on a white surface, including butter beans, dry orzo, spinach, and cashews.

Ingredient Notes

  • Orzo: This pasta-like grain creates a creamy texture when cooked. For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free orzo or quinoa.
  • Butter Beans: These beans add a creamy texture and are high in protein. They are also rich in fiber, and micronutrients. Chickpeas are a good replacement.
  • Cashews: Blending cashews with soy milk creates a rich, creamy sauce. If you’re allergic, try using sunflower seeds for a similar texture.
  • Sun-dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy depth that balances the creamy sauce. If unavailable, substitute with roasted red peppers or a few cherry tomatoes for a similar effect.
  • Spinach: I love pre-washed baby spinach; they are so convenient to add to every meal for an easy greens add-on. You can substitute with kale if desired, adding it towards the end to maintain texture.

How to Make This Recipe (Summary)

Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the onions until soft. Add the red bell pepper and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until softened. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, chili flakes, mixed herbs, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Cook until fragrant.

A close-up shot of sautéed red peppers and onions in a purple Always Pan.

Blend cashews, soy milk, and nutritional yeast to make a creamy sauce, then add to the pan with orzo, butter beans, and vegetable stock. Simmer until orzo is tender.

Creamy orzo, butter beans, and spinach in a purple Always Pan with a lemon in the background.

Add spinach and lemon juice, cooking just until spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with basil, and enjoy! View recipe card below for detailed instructions.

Sarah Cobacho holding a pan filled with creamy orzo, butter beans, and spinach.

Variations and Tips

  • Cheesy Flavor: Add extra nutritional yeast for a bolder, “cheesy” flavor.
  • Extra Vegetables: Include diced zucchini or mushrooms to add more nutrients.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just add a splash of soy milk when reheating for creaminess.
  • Swap the greens: Try using finely chopped kale instead of spinach. Parsley makes for a delicious alternative to basil.
  • Low sodium option: Use water instead of vegetable broth, or make your own. Store-bought vegetable broth can be very high in sodium (even the low salt one!).
  • If you like this recipe, you’ll also love our Marry Me Chickpeas, our Super Green Butter Beans, or our High-Protein Romesco Butter Beans.

Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Marry Me Orzo TLDR

  • Creamy
  • Hearty
  • Protein-packed
  • Iron-rich
  • Quick & Easy
Close-up of a bowl of creamy orzo with butter beans topped with fresh basil.

High-Protein Marry Me Orzo

5 from 3 votes
This creamy high-protein orzo dish with sun-dried tomatoes and butter beans serves up a nutritious meal for two, packed with flavor and protein.
Sarah Cobacho (plantbaes.com)
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings 2

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp (5 ml) olive oil - optional replace by 1 tbsp water to water fry)
  • 1 onion - finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper - finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) sun-dried tomatoes - chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves - minced
  • 1 tbsp (16 g) tomato paste
  • 0.5 tsp (1 g) chili flakes
  • 1 tsp (1 g) mixed herbs
  • 1 tsp (2 g) smoked paprika
  • 4.2 oz (120 g) dry orzo
  • 2 cups (375 g) cooked butter beans
  • 1.5 cups (355 ml) vegetable broth - or water
  • 2 tbsp (16 g) raw cashews
  • 10 fl oz (300 ml) soy milk
  • 2 tbsp (15 g) nutritional yeast
  • 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach - roughly chopped
  • 1.5 tbsp (23 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 cup (6 g) fresh basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste - to taste

Instructions

  • To a pan on medium heat, add the olive oil and onions, cook for a couple of minutes.
  • Add the red bell pepper and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
  • Add the garlic, tomato paste, chili flakes, mixed herbs, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir, and cook for 2 minutes.
  • In the meantime, blend the cashews, soy milk, and nutritional yeast. Add to the pan along with the orzo, butter beans, and vegetable stock. Let it simmer covered, for 12 minutes (or according to the orzo packet instructions), stirring regularly. Add extra broth if needed. Taste to ensure the orzo is thoroughly cooked.
  • Add the spinach and lemon juice, cook until the spinach is just wilted.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh basil, and enjoy!

Notes

Nut-free option: replace the cashews by sunflower seeds. 
Soy-free option: replace the soy milk by oat or almond milk. This will decrease the protein content. 
Oil-free option: skip the olive oil, and use 1 tbsp of water instead. 

Per Serving

Calories 667kcalCarbohydrates 83gProtein 36gFat 14gSodium 681mgFiber 24gVitamin A 370IUVitamin C 96mgCalcium 274mgIron 10mg

FAQ

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the orzo with gluten-free orzo or pasta.

What can I use instead of cashews?

You can try sunflower seeds for a similar texture.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of soy milk to maintain creaminess.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or kale.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Store in individual portions for easy reheating.

5 Comments

  1. Made this as a low-effort dinner last week after my partner and I both had a long day at work, was an immediate hit and apparently a new favourite, as they asked for it again today.
    Also, it’s almost as good, not just the next day at lunch, but also cold, speaking as I’m not able to reheat stuff at work.

    Cheers for the recipe
    Alex 🙂5 stars

    1. Hey Alex, I’m so happy you both loved it! Thank you so much for your lovely review 💕

  2. I’ve tried a few of Plantbaes recipes and each one has been delicious. I’ve made the Marry Me Orzo tonight and my husband who eats meat has been amazed at the taste of all the meals.
    Thank you so much for your gorgeous recipes !5 stars

    1. Hey Deb, thanks so much for your review! I’m so happy you’re both loving the meals 💚

  3. You’re going to love this Easy High-Protein Peanut Gochujang Noodles recipe! Make sure to rate it 5 stars and leave a comment if you enjoyed it!5 stars

5 from 3 votes

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