Imagine a dish where tender orzo pasta meets fresh, vibrant spinach in a light, flavorful blend that’s as comforting as it is easy to make.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a side or light meal that feels both wholesome and satisfying.
As the orzo cooks to a perfect al dente and the spinach gently wilts into the mix, you’ll see how effortless it is to bring this cozy, nourishing dish to life.
Let’s get started on making this delightful Spinach Orzo.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large saucepan
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 colander
- 1 cutting board
- 1 chef’s knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Cook & Prep Time
Here’s a timeline to efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Spinach Orzo:
- Reading and Understanding the Recipe (5 minutes):
- Spend a few minutes reading through the recipe and gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (5 minutes):
- Mince the garlic and chop the fresh spinach.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese if it’s not pre-grated.
- Chop the fresh parsley if using for garnish.
- Cooking (20 minutes):
- Minute 0-1: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Minute 1-2: Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Minute 2-4: Stir in orzo pasta and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Minute 4-5: Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Minute 5-15: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until the orzo is al dente.
- Minute 15-17: Stir in chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- Minute 17-18: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
- Minute 18-20: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Resting Time (5 minutes):
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serving:
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve.
Recipe Instructions
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in orzo pasta and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until the orzo is al dente.
Stir in chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Tips
- Grilled Chicken: Pair with sliced grilled chicken breast for added protein and a complete meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside a medley of roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Greek Salad: Complement the dish with a fresh Greek salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean touch.
- Crusty Bread: Offer some crusty bread on the side to soak up any remaining sauce and enhance the dining experience.
- Sautéed Shrimp: Top with sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist that adds richness and depth to the meal.
Storage
Store leftover Spinach Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Freezing
To freeze Spinach Orzo, let it cool completely.
Then, transfer to airtight containers.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Spinach Orzo, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat.
Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent drying.
Stir occasionally until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Spinach Orzo is a delicious and simple Mediterranean dish that combines the flavors of fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese with tender orzo pasta.
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a satisfying and nutritious meal in under half an hour.
The key to a successful Spinach Orzo lies in balancing the flavors and textures.
The lemon juice adds a bright touch, while the Parmesan cheese provides a rich, savory element.
To make this dish even more flavorful, you can experiment with additional ingredients like red pepper flakes for heat or toasted pine nuts for crunch.
When preparing Spinach Orzo, it’s important to keep an eye on the orzo while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Stirring frequently and adding broth gradually can help achieve the perfect consistency.
Additionally, adjusting the amount of cheese and lemon juice allows you to tailor the dish to your personal taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Another Type of Pasta for Orzo?
Absolutely, you can substitute orzo with another small pasta like ditalini or acini di pepe. Maintain the cooking technique: sauté briefly, then simmer in broth. Adjust the vegetable broth amount to guarantee your chosen pasta cooks perfectly.
Is This Recipe Suitable for a Gluten-Free Diet?
You’ll need gluten-free orzo to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet. Check the package to verify it’s gluten-free. Use the same cooking techniques, guaranteeing no cross-contamination, for a deliciously safe Mediterranean meal!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
To make it vegan, replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use vegan butter instead of olive oil if preferred. Confirm the broth is vegetable-based. Adjust lemon juice and seasonings to your taste.
What Are Some Variations for Adding Protein?
Add chickpeas or white beans for a protein boost. Stir them in with the spinach for flavor infusion. Alternatively, toss in cooked quinoa or lentils. Toasted almonds or walnuts can provide both protein and a satisfying crunch.
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
You can use frozen spinach for convenience. Just thaw it first and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent watering down the dish. Add it in step 6, and adjust seasoning since frozen spinach can be less flavorful.
Spinach Orzo
Equipment
- 1 large saucepan
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 colander
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef's knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in orzo pasta and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until the orzo is al dente.
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
