Creamy Garlic Spinach Orzo Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Spinach Orzo is a luscious, comforting one-pot dish featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in a rich blend of garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese, balanced by fresh baby spinach. Perfect as a hearty side or a light main course, it combines the robust flavors of sautéed garlic and onion with a creamy, cheesy sauce for a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat the olive oil and butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to toast the orzo slightly and infuse it with the aromatic flavors.
- Simmer with Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to medium or medium-low. Continue cooking uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, taking care not to let it boil vigorously.
- Finish with Cheese and Spinach: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. During this time, the spinach will wilt, and the orzo will thicken as it absorbs the remaining liquid. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken or mushrooms for added protein and texture.
- Ensure you stir regularly during cooking to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If the orzo is too thick after resting, stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
Keywords: Creamy Garlic Spinach Orzo, Creamy Pasta, Garlic Orzo, Spinach Pasta, One-Pot Pasta, Italian Comfort Food
