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Creamy Garlic Spinach Orzo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 102 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Creamy Garlic Spinach Orzo is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender orzo cooked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with fresh spinach and parmesan cheese. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it combines buttery sautéed onions and garlic with Italian seasoning, simmered in broth and cream until perfectly creamy and tender. A quick and versatile side or light main dish that brings a touch of elegance and nutrition to any meal.

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 & Liquids

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream

Cheese & Greens

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach

Seasoning

  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onions: Add the olive oil, butter, and chopped onion to a pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Add Garlic, Seasoning, and Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, followed by the uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, to allow the orzo to toast slightly and absorb the flavors.
  3. Simmer with Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and heavy cream. Once the mixture begins to bubble, reduce heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to allow the orzo to cook and the sauce to thicken without over-reducing the liquid.
  4. Finish with Parmesan and Spinach: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken to your preferred consistency.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve warm as a creamy, garlicky pasta side or light main dish.

Notes

  • Orzo is a type of pasta; if substituting with rice, liquid ratios and cooking times will vary, making it a different recipe altogether.
  • Spinach is optional. Omitting it will not compromise the dish; it adds color, texture, and nutrition.

Find it online: https://oliviadinner.com/creamy-garlic-spinach-orzo-recipe/