Go Back
- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup vegetable broth - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional for warmth) - Fresh parsley, roughly chopped, for garnish You can swap orzo for other small pasta like couscous or quinoa. If you don’t have fresh spinach, use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. For heavy cream, try half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter option. If you need a dairy-free choice, nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese. Always choose fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Look for vibrant green spinach with no brown spots. When buying onion and garlic, choose firm bulbs without sprouting. Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the taste much more than pre-grated cheese. If possible, use organic items for better quality. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook the orzo for 8 to 10 minutes until it is al dente. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step is crucial for getting the right texture. Next, use the same pot to heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small, finely diced onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion turns soft and slightly golden. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir constantly for about 1 minute. This helps release the wonderful garlic flavor without burning it. Now, toss in 2 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Stir until the leaves wilt, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. After that, pour in 1/2 cup of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step allows all the flavors to blend well. Slowly stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Finally, add the drained orzo back into the pot. Stir it well to make sure every piece is coated in the creamy sauce. Fold in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg if you like. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through. The dish is now ready to serve! To get a creamy texture, use heavy cream. This gives the dish richness. Stir in the cream slowly for even mixing. If it feels thick, add a splash of vegetable broth. This helps keep it smooth. Make sure to heat it gently; high heat can curdle the cream. Want to elevate the flavor? Add freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of salt. Nutmeg brings warmth and depth. You can also try adding lemon zest for a bright kick. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add a unique twist. Don’t forget to taste as you go! Serve creamy spinach orzo in shallow bowls. This makes it look fancy. Top with extra Parmesan for a rich finish. A drizzle of olive oil adds shine. Pair it with grilled chicken or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve it with crusty bread for dipping! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality Parmesan cheese will elevate the flavor of this dish significantly, making it more vibrant and delicious. Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with more vegetable broth. This will still keep it creamy without being too rich. Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Be careful not to overcook the orzo; it should be al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed into the creamy sauce. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the dish for added protein and texture. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to creamy spinach orzo. Chicken works great. Just cook diced chicken in the pot before adding the onion. Shrimp is also a tasty choice. Sauté shrimp in olive oil until pink. Then, follow the recipe as usual. For a quick meal, use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds flavor. If you want to mix up the veggies, try adding mushrooms or bell peppers. Sauté them with onions for extra flavor. Broccoli florets can also add great texture. Just blanch them before mixing in. You can even use kale instead of spinach. It gives a different taste and is just as healthy. To make this dish vegan, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a nut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. For gluten-free orzo, look for rice-based options at the store. These swaps make the dish fit your dietary needs without losing taste. Enjoy the creamy goodness no matter your diet! After enjoying creamy spinach orzo, let it cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and your meal ready for later. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a pot. For the microwave, place a serving in a bowl. Heat it for one to two minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even warmth. If using a pot, add a splash of vegetable broth or water. Heat over low heat, stirring gently until hot. This keeps the orzo creamy and avoids burning. You can freeze creamy spinach orzo for up to three months. Use an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it using the methods above, adding more liquid if needed. This way, your dish stays tasty and enjoyable even after freezing. Yes, you can make creamy spinach orzo ahead of time. Just prepare the dish and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture. Creamy spinach orzo pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some great options: - Grilled chicken breast - Shrimp sautéed with garlic - Roasted vegetables - A fresh garden salad - Crusty bread for dipping These sides help balance the creaminess and add more flavor to your meal. To adapt creamy spinach orzo for meal prep, make a larger batch. Divide the orzo into single-serving containers. Store them with the sauce on the side to keep the orzo from getting soggy. When you’re ready to eat, just heat the orzo and sauce together. This way, you save time and enjoy a delicious meal throughout the week. Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out the extra water. This prevents your dish from becoming too watery. Add the thawed spinach to the pot after the garlic, just like you would with fresh spinach. It will still taste great and save you some prep time! You now have all you need to create a tasty creamy spinach orzo. We've covered ingredients and their substitutes, plus tips to make your dish shine. From mixing processes to serving ideas, you can customize your orzo any way you like. Don't forget proper storage to keep it fresh. This dish is flexible—add protein, swap veggies, or adjust for diets. Enjoy making your creamy spinach orzo, and share it with those you love!

Creamy Spinach Orzo Delight

A delicious and creamy dish featuring orzo pasta and fresh spinach, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional for warmth)
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the orzo and set aside.
  • Using the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden.
  • Add the minced garlic to the pot, stirring constantly for about 1 minute, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic flavors without browning.
  • Incorporate the chopped fresh spinach into the pot, stirring until the leaves wilt down, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring gently, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to infuse the flavors.
  • Gradually stir in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce is well combined and creamy.
  • Add the cooked orzo back into the pot with the creamy spinach mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
  • Fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning the mixture with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a hint of nutmeg if desired. Allow the dish to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and creamy.
  • Remove the pot from heat and generously garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve in shallow bowls with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
Keyword creamy, orzo, pasta, spinach, vegetarian