Creamy Spinach Orzo
A comforting creamy spinach orzo dish that brings warmth and nostalgia, perfect for cozy gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella or parmesan)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo by boiling a pot of salted water over high heat. Add orzo and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Save a cup of the cooking water before draining.
- Sauté the garlic in a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the spinach and sauté until wilted, around 3–4 minutes, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
- Introduce the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often.
- Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and combined with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Mix in the drained orzo, tossing until evenly coated, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve! Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
Consider serving in individual bowls with a sprinkle of parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. Pairs well with side salads or grilled proteins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: creamy orzo, spinach, comfort food, vegetarian pasta dish, easy recipes