Description
A comforting dish combining creamy orzo pasta, vibrant spinach, and rich Parmesan cheese, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Begin by cooking orzo in a pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions for al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Spinach: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, stirring frequently.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the broth and heavy cream. Stir and simmer gently for a minute. Add cooked orzo, stirring continuously to coat in the sauce.
- Incorporate Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the mixture while still over heat. Stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, garnished with more Parmesan and cracked black pepper.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt mixed with milk. Freshly grated cheese yields the best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: creamy orzo, spinach, parmesan, pasta, comfort food, vegetarian