Name: Creamy Garlic Spinach Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Spinach Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender orzo pasta cooked in a rich garlic-infused cream sauce and fresh spinach, it’s both simple and satisfying.

A creamy dish served in a white bowl filled with soft, small pasta pieces mixed thoroughly with wilted green spinach leaves. The pasta and spinach layers are coated in a thick, smooth, white sauce with a slightly glossy texture. Shredded cheese is sprinkled lightly on top, melting into the sauce and adding a soft, crumbly texture with a few small brown specks of seasoning or pepper visible across the surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture surface, adding a clean bright background to the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy or whipping cream
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil, butter, and chopped onion in a pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo to the pot. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently to toast the orzo and enhance its flavor.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Step 4: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and fresh spinach, then cover the pot. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes to thicken and allow the spinach to wilt. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Tips & Variations

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten the dish while keeping it creamy.
Add sautéed mushrooms or cooked chicken for extra protein and texture.
Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess if it has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A creamy dish with a mix of small, light yellow pieces layered with vibrant green leaves, all stirred together in a round, white pot with a wooden spoon partly inside the pot on the right side, placed on a white marbled surface. The texture looks soft and slightly thick with visible swirls from stirring. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells work well, but cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The dish is naturally vegetarian-friendly aside from that.