Description
This one-pot Parmesan Spinach Orzo is rich, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness. Made with simple ingredients like orzo pasta, fresh spinach, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, it’s an easy, comforting dish that pairs well with chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Core Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound dried orzo pasta (about 2 ½ cups)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups packed baby spinach, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor
- Red pepper flakes (for spice)
- Lemon zest (for brightness)
- Nutmeg (for warmth)
- Sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes (for depth)
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and cook for 3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
2. Toast the Orzo
- Add the orzo pasta to the pot, stirring to coat in oil.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the orzo turns lightly golden.
3. Cook the Orzo
- Pour in the broth and milk, stirring well.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Add the Spinach & Parmesan
- Stir in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt into the orzo.
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer dish, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To add protein, mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
- Leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat with a splash of broth or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish / Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg