I s there anything more comforting than a creamy pasta dish when you’re getting bashed by the autumnal weather gods? I think the deeper question is, why? Why is creamy pasta so satisfying? I use orzo in this dish and I love the way the small grains get scooped up in the sauce, inviting it to be eaten with a spoon. And, creepiness aside, who wouldn’t want their dinners to be so good that the diner might hypothetically consider marrying them?
This dish gets a lovely depth of flavour from the Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes, and a freshness from the spinach and basil. It is a winner dinner in my home and is now on regular rotation. All made in the one pan, it can be completed in less than 40 minutes, with very little chopping.
Serve over pasta such as orzo or with rice or sourdough, if you prefer.
Erica Drum is the author of Dinner, published by Blasta Books