Creamy Spinach Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This creamy spinach orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish that combines tender pasta with a luscious cheese sauce and fresh baby spinach. It’s perfect as a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying side dish to any main course.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta (approximately 7 oz)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups vegetable broth (16 fl oz)
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half (8 fl oz)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (2 oz)
• 1/3 cup cream cheese, softened (3 oz)
• 4 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped (4.2 oz)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
• Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Freshly ground black pepper, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
2. Step 2: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast lightly for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: Pour in the vegetable broth and milk, stirring to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
4. Step 4: Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
6. Step 6: Mix in the chopped spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
7. Step 7: Serve the orzo hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Tips & Variations

• Use half-and-half instead of whole milk for an even richer and creamier texture.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth and flavor.
• For a non-vegetarian option, stir in cooked shredded chicken or crispy bacon pieces.
• Make sure to stir frequently during cooking to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?

Orzo’s rice-like shape works best for this creamy dish, but small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells can be used. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

This recipe uses dairy ingredients like butter, cheese, and cream cheese, so it isn’t vegan. However, you can substitute vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor.

Creamy Spinach Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 125 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This creamy spinach orzo is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in a flavorful blend of vegetable broth and milk, enriched with cream cheese and Parmesan. Fresh baby spinach adds a vibrant touch, making this a satisfying vegetarian meal perfect for weeknights or casual dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Orzo & Veggies

• 1 cup orzo pasta (approximately 7 oz)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped (4.2 oz)

Dairy & Liquids

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups vegetable broth (16 fl oz)
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half (8 fl oz)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (2 oz)
• 1/3 cup cream cheese, softened (3 oz)

Seasonings

• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
• Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Toast Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it lightly for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking or burning.
3. Combine Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and milk, stir well to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a steady simmer.
4. Cook Orzo: Cook the orzo uncovered, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This should take approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
5. Incorporate Cheeses: Stir in the softened cream cheese and freshly grated Parmesan until both are fully melted and the sauce turns creamy and smooth.
6. Add Spinach and Season: Mix in the roughly chopped baby spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the spinach just wilts. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg if desired.
7. Serve with Garnish: Plate the creamy spinach orzo while hot, topping each serving with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper to taste.

Notes

• You can substitute whole milk with half-and-half for a richer sauce.
• For a vegan version, replace butter and cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth.
• Keep stirring frequently during cooking to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan.
• Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste preference.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: creamy spinach orzo, orzo pasta recipe, easy vegetarian dinner, comfort food pasta, quick stovetop meal