Creamy Spinach Orzo

$To make creamy spinach orzo, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup cream cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a rich and creamy dish that you will love. You can add more flavors to your creamy spinach orzo. Here are some optional ingredients: - Crushed red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh basil for a sweet touch - Mushrooms for extra texture - Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist These add-ins can make your dish more exciting and unique. If you lack some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Use whole wheat orzo for a healthier option. - Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter dish. - Substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan option. - If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen spinach will work too. Just thaw and drain it. These substitutions help you adjust the recipe to suit your needs while keeping the flavors delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by boiling water in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook until al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the orzo and set it aside. 2. In the same saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great. 3. Next, stir in 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach. Cook it for 2 to 3 minutes until it wilts down. 4. Now, pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir these together and let the mix come to a gentle simmer. 5. Add the cooked orzo back into the saucepan. Mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of cream cheese. Stir until everything blends together and becomes creamy. 6. Season your dish with 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to add the zest of 1 lemon for a fresh touch. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through. 7. Finally, remove from heat and serve right away. Top with chopped fresh parsley for a nice finish. - Always check the package for the cooking time. Different brands may vary. - Stir the orzo while it cooks. This helps prevent it from sticking together. - Taste the orzo a minute before the time is up. It should be firm but not hard. - Don’t skip draining the orzo. Leaving excess water can make your dish too watery. - Avoid overcooking the orzo. It will continue to cook in the sauce. - Don’t use too much salt until the end. You can always add more, but it’s hard to fix if you add too much at first. To make your creamy spinach orzo even richer, use a mix of creams. I love blending heavy cream with cream cheese for a velvety texture. If you want a lighter dish, try half and half instead. Adding a splash of pasta water can also help. This water has starch that thickens the sauce nicely. Always wash your spinach well. Dirt can hide in the leaves. I like to soak mine in cold water first. Then, chop it right before cooking. This keeps it fresh and vibrant. Add the spinach to the pan when the garlic is fragrant. Cook it just until it wilts. Overcooking makes it lose flavor and color. Creamy spinach orzo is a fantastic side dish. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it with a simple salad to balance the meal. Top it with extra Parmesan for a cheesy touch. A sprinkle of lemon zest brightens the flavors, too. Enjoy it warm for the best taste! Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant flavor and texture to the dish. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Cook the orzo until al dente for the best texture. It will continue to absorb liquid and cook slightly after being mixed into the sauce. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or use low-fat cream cheese without sacrificing flavor. Flavor Boost: Enhance the dish by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better with fun add-ins. Try adding diced bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor. You can also toss in some mushrooms for a nice earthy taste. If you want more greens, add kale or arugula. These options keep it vegetarian while adding unique flavors. If you want to make this dish more filling, consider adding protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp work great with creamy spinach orzo. For a plant-based option, try chickpeas or lentils. Both add texture and protein without changing the dish’s charm. You can also sprinkle some cooked bacon or sausage for a savory twist. Use seasonal vegetables to change the dish with the seasons. In spring, fresh peas or asparagus add a bright touch. Summer calls for zucchini or cherry tomatoes, which burst with flavor. Fall is perfect for butternut squash or roasted cauliflower. In winter, think about adding hearty greens like collards or Swiss chard. These options keep the dish fresh, fun, and full of nutrients. To keep your leftover creamy spinach orzo fresh, use an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down first before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up and keeps it tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream for extra moisture. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. This method keeps it creamy and delicious. For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. First, let the orzo cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. If you don’t have heavy cream, use whole milk mixed with butter. Combine 3/4 cup of whole milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter. This mix gives a creamy texture. You can also try using half-and-half or a plant-based cream option for a lighter choice. Both will keep your dish rich and tasty. Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw and drain it first. Frozen spinach tends to have more water. Squeeze out the excess moisture before adding it to your dish. This keeps your orzo from getting too watery. Using frozen spinach saves time and is always a great backup. Creamy Spinach Orzo lasts for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to eat it again, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to bring back its creamy texture. In this post, we covered how to make Creamy Spinach Orzo. We detailed the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavor. I shared ways to customize and store your dish. Remember, small changes can make a big impact. Use fresh spinach and avoid common mistakes for the best results. Whether you try a variation or stick to the classic, enjoy every bite. Happy cooking!$

A delicious and creamy orzo pasta dish with fresh spinach and rich flavors.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup cream cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 zest lemon
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the cooked orzo back into the saucepan, followed by the Parmesan cheese and cream cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
Season with onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.

Keyword creamy, orzo, pasta, spinach, vegetarian