Welcome to a culinary journey that will elevate your weeknight dinners! Imagine a dish that combines the creamy richness of Parmesan cheese with the vibrant freshness of spinach—all in just one pot! This One Pot Parmesan Orzo with Spinach is not only a breeze to prepare, but it also promises to tantalize your taste buds with every bite. With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a total cooking time of 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious Italian-inspired meal ready in no time. Perfect for busy families or anyone craving comfort food, this recipe will have you saying goodbye to tedious cleanup and hello to flavorful simplicity. Ready to dive into this delightful dish? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- Orzo pasta
- Spinach
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Vegetable broth
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wide saucepan over medium heat. Mince the garlic cloves finely and sauté them for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add the orzo pasta to the pan and stir to coat with the olive oil and garlic, toasting the pasta for 1-2 minutes until it becomes slightly golden and releases a nutty aroma.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring the orzo is fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pan.
- Simmer the orzo for approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt naturally from the residual heat.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese and fold it into the orzo, creating a creamy texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly before serving hot.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh spinach and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients can make a significant difference in the taste of your dish.
- Toast the Orzo: Don't skip the step of toasting the orzo in olive oil and garlic. This simple technique enhances the nutty flavor of the pasta and adds depth to the overall dish.
- Adjust the Broth: If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can add a splash of cream or milk towards the end of cooking. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly!
- Customize Your Greens: While spinach is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other greens like kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile and added nutrition.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together and gives the sauce a chance to thicken, making every bite even more enjoyable.
- Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep. Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to bring it back to life!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
