Ingredients
- 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth or chicken broth
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon (2.5g) salt
- ¼ teaspoon (1g) black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Orzo
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside, ensuring it doesn’t stick together by drizzling a tiny bit of olive oil.
2. Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it brown!
3. Add the Spinach
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. This only takes a few minutes but transforms the spinach into tender bites bursting with flavor.
4. Simmer with Broth
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then add the cooked orzo. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Incorporate Parmesan
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as it melts into a creamy sauce, wrapping every piece of orzo in cheesy goodness.
6. Season to Perfection
Add salt, black pepper, and, if desired, a squeeze of lemon juice for that bright, tangy finish.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm. Whether it’s a side to grilled chicken or a vegetarian main, this dish will win hearts instantly!
Notes
- Choose Fresh Parmesan: For the best taste, grate Parmesan cheese fresh from the block rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
- Orzo Alternatives: If you don’t have orzo, substitute with couscous, quinoa, or rice for a twist.
- Make It Creamier: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk for an extra luscious texture.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a protein-packed meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg