4.9 from 99 votes
Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo
Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo combines tender orzo pasta with a garlic-infused, cheesy cream sauce and fresh spinach. The sauce is made by sautéing garlic, creating a roux with flour, then whisking in milk to thicken before stirring in Parmesan cheese and spinach. This results in a smooth, rich pasta dish with bright green spinach and a touch of lemon zest if desired. It’s a comforting side or light main featuring balanced creamy texture and savory flavor.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Calories:
246 kcal
Course:
Side Dish, Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
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!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- To brighten the flavor, add a few teaspoons of fresh-squeezed lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition Information
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 246
% 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.