Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
246 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo
Description
Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo starts with cooking orzo pasta until tender. Olive oil is used to gently sauté minced garlic seasoned with salt and black pepper. Flour is added to form a roux that helps thicken the sauce upon whisking in milk, which is simmered until it turns creamy. Freshly chopped spinach is folded in and cooked until soft and vibrant green. Parmesan cheese is melted into the sauce last, creating a rich and cheesy finish that coats the orzo evenly. The dish's creamy texture pairs well with the slight bite of garlic and the fresh earthiness of spinach. Adding freshly grated lemon zest on top brightens the flavor and adds a subtle zing. This easy pasta dish serves well as a comforting side or a light vegetarian main.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 ½ teaspoons garlic minced
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons flour
- 1 cup milk (I used fat free half & half)
- ⅔ cups spinach roughly chopped, fresh
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese plus extra for topping, shredded
- lemon zest fresh, grated, cracked; optional for topping
- Parmesan Cheese
- black pepper
Instructions
- Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add garlic, salt and pepper and saute for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant
- Add flour to form and stir for one minute. Add about 1/4 cup of the milk to the pot and whisk to work out any lumps. When lumps are gone, add the remaining milk and whisk to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 8 minutes or until sauce is thickened.
- Add chopped spinach to sauce. Cook an additional 2 minutes or so until spinach is soft and dark. Remove sauce from heat and stir in parmesan cheese. When cheese has melted, add orzo and stir to combine. Serve with extra parmesan cheese and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- To brighten the flavor, add a few teaspoons of fresh-squeezed lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 246 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 246kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 11mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 150mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 172mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 451IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 152mg | 15% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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