Spinach Parmesan Orzo Pasta Recipe
Whether you're looking for a simple side dish or easy meat-free meal, you can't go wrong with pasta! And this delicious spinach parmesan orzo recipe is perfect for any occasion. Everyone in the family will love the creamy sauce and you'll love the addition of healthy veggies in every bite! But the best part this simple dinner is how quick and easy it is to make.
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Reasons Why We Love Spinach Parmesan Orzo Pasta
If you're a fan of pasta, quick meals, or wholesome ingredients, you're in for a treat! This Spinach Parmesan Orzo Pasta recipe might just become your new favorite go-to dish. Here's why:
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: This recipe is a lifesaver for anyone with a packed schedule. Whether you're a busy parent, a student, or simply short on time, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes.
- A Crowd-Pleaser for the Whole Family: This dish is packed with parmesan goodness, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. Even the pickiest eaters will look forward to this meal.
- Loaded with Healthy Greens: This recipe sneaks in a healthy dose of spinach without sacrificing flavor. Leafy greens add color, nutrition, and balance to the creamy sauce, giving you a wholesome meal in every bite.
- Versatility at Its Best: This dish is endlessly adaptable. Serve it as a side to your favorite protein, eat it as a stand-alone vegetarian meal, or pair it with a fresh salad for a wholesome dinner. The possibilities are endless!
- Restaurant Quality Without the Cost: The creamy sauce, the perfectly cooked orzo, and the come together to create a dish that tastes gourmet without breaking the bank.
What Do I Need to Make Spinach Parmesan Orzo?
Made with just a handful of basic ingredients, this meatless pasta recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. And since it's prepared using simple, fresh items, you probably have everything you need to make it already! To prepare this spinach parmesan orzo pasta at home, you'll need:
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic
- Onion
- Orzo
- Salt and pepper
- Chicken broth or Vegetable broth for vegetarian meal
- Milk
- Basil
- Italian Seasoning
- Whipping cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Spinach
How Do I Make Spinach Parmesan Orzo?
Since this pasta recipe is packed with flavor, you'll be surprised to see that you can prepare it in under 30 minutes. Just follow these three easy steps to have your own cheesy orzo dish ready for dinner tonight.
Step One: Saute the Onion and Garlic
Add the oil and butter to a skillet or saucepan large enough to hold the sauce and pasta. When the butter is melted, stir in the onion and garlic and saute for about two minutes, until the onion is fragrant and transparent.
Step Two: Cook the Pasta
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Add the orzo to the pan and stir to mix the pasta into the onions and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and continue cooking for around one minute, stirring often. Mix in the broth, milk, basil, and fine herbs, then bring the liquid to a boil and cook for around 8 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. If the pasta absorbs too much of the liquid as it cooks, add more chicken broth as needed.
Step Three: Make the Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, warm the heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan, remove the pan from heat just before the cream begins to boil. When the pasta is ready, pour the cream into the pan along with the parmesan cheese and spinach. Stir until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are well mixed, being careful not to break the pasta as you mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
How Do You Store Spinach Parmesan Orzo?
I'm sure everyone at the dinner table is going to eat this pasta dish up! But if you happen to have some leftovers when dinner is through, you can transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.
The pasta can be reheated in the microwave. Or pour the leftovers into a small saucepan and warm over medium low heat until heated through. If the pasta becomes to dry, add a small amount of heavy whipping cream to the pan and stir to mix.
Is Orzo Pasta the Same as Rice?
Although orzo looks similar to long-grain rice, it's actually very different. Orzo is a pasta shape, which means it's made of wheat and needs to be prepared like pasta. Unlike rice, which soaks up the liquid it is cooked in, orzo needs to be boiled in water and drained before eating.
Spinach and Parmesan Orzo Recipe Ideas
Since this basic pasta dish is prepared with a creamy parmesan sauce, it's very easy to customize. Try these simple recipe ideas as you're preparing your own family dinner to change things up.
- Add some protein to the dish. While this pasta dinner is a great option for a meatless meal, there is no reason you can't add some protein to the mix! Try adding some cooked chicken, grilled fish or shrimp, or even canned tuna to create a full meal all in one pan.
- Stir in more veggies. When it comes to pasta dishes, you can't go wrong by adding more vegetables! In addition to the spinach included in the recipe, you can also add some peas, broccoli or cauliflower florets, asparagus, kale, or chopped bell peppers.
- Use fresh or frozen spinach. While fresh spinach is the simplest option for making this orzo dish, you can also use frozen spinach if that's all you have on hand. Make sure to thaw the frozen spinach and place the leaves in a colander to drain. Then, use a paper towel to soak up any excess moisture before adding the spinach to the pan.
- Mix in different cheeses. Parmesan is a classic cheese option when it comes to pasta. But you can add even more cheesy flavor by mixing in some Romano or gruyere instead of (or in addition to) the parmesan cheeses.
- Try different pasta. Orzo pasta is a great option for this dish because it cooks quickly and easily soaks all that delicious parmesan sauce. But if you don't have any orzo on hand, you can replace it with any small pasta, like ditali, stelline, farfalle (bow tie), or fusilli.
Perfect Dishes to Serve with Spinach Parmesan Orzo Pasta
Spinach Parmesan Orzo Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that's easy to whip up and loved by everyone at the table. But what happens when you want to elevate your meal or round out your dinner spread? Finding the perfect sides can bring balance and variety to your meal while complementing the rich, cheesy flavors of orzo pasta. Here are ncredible dishes that pair perfectly with Spinach Parmesan Orzo Pasta.
- Parmesan Roasted Carrots and Asparagus: Roasted veggies like carrots and asparagus make a yummy addition to the creamy pasta.
- Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken: The bright citrus flavor and fresh herbs cut through the richness of the pasta, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
- Caprese Salad: A simple Caprese salad made with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy orzo.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Pairing garlic butter shrimp with your Spinach Parmesan Orzo takes your dinner to the next level. The garlicky shrimp work as a protein-packed addition that blends with the creamy pasta.
- Toasted Garlic Bread:You can never go wrong with garlic bread! The warm, crispy texture and buttery garlic flavor are ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce from your orzo pasta.
- Italian Salad:A blend of lettuce, cured meats and cheeses make a delicious side dish with the creamy pasta.
Spinach Parmesan Orzo Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 5 Tablespoons onion minced
- 2 ¼ cups Orzo pasta
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian dish
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon basil
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup whipping cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan Cheese + more for garnish
- 2 cups spinach coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet or saucepan big enough for the sauce and pasta. Make sure it doesn't burn.
- Add the onion and sauté for about two minutes until the onion is transparent. Then, add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute
- Add the orzo and mix well until combined. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir for about one minute.
- Stir in the broth, milk, and other seasonings. Mix well. Bring to a boil and cook for about 8 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. You will notice most of the liquid is absorbed. If you see it is too thick, you can add a half cup of extra chicken broth.
- In a separate pan, heat the whipping cream until it is warm, but not boiling.
- Add whipping cream to pasta and stir until combined. Then, add the spinach and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until combined but be careful not to break the pasta.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese.
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