Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo
Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender orzo pasta with fresh spinach and rich Parmesan cheese. This quick recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or elegant gatherings, transforms simple ingredients into a creamy masterpiece that will leave your taste buds dancing. Serve it as a main course or a delightful side dish; either way, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the orzo: Boil salted water in a pot, add orzo, and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- 2. Sauté garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- 3. Add spinach: Stir in baby spinach and season with salt and pepper. Cook until wilted (about 3 minutes).
- 4. Prepare sauce: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- 5. Combine everything: Add cooked orzo back into the skillet along with reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess. Toss until well combined.
- 6. Serve: Plate the creamy orzo and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg