Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Spinach! This delightful dish combines the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with the wholesome goodness of fresh spinach, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this creamy, cheesy masterpiece that will leave your taste buds dancing and your guests begging for seconds. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: orzo pasta, vegetable broth, fresh spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the saucepan and stir it into the garlic and olive oil mixture. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- While the orzo is cooking, rinse the fresh spinach under cold water and set it aside to drain.
- Once the orzo is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fresh spinach. The residual heat will wilt the spinach.
- Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the orzo and spinach mixture. Stir well until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Serve the creamy Parmesan orzo warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Toast the Orzo: Don’t skip the toasting step! It adds a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Use Homemade Broth: If you have the time, using homemade vegetable broth can significantly elevate the flavor profile of your orzo.
- Fresh Spinach: Always opt for fresh spinach over frozen for the best texture and taste. Rinse it thoroughly to remove any grit.
- Cheese Choices: While Parmesan is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your palate, and consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to bring back the creaminess.
- Garnish: For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 177kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
