Description
This One-Pot Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo is a quick and comforting pasta dish made with tender orzo, fresh spinach, and rich Parmesan cheese. Creamy, satisfying, and ready in just 30 minutes, it makes the perfect easy side or meatless main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orzo and cook, stirring frequently, for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until well combined and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add more broth if needed to adjust consistency before adding cheese and cream.
- For extra protein, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans.
- Use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
