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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional) - 3 cups vegetable broth - Zest of 1 lemon Gathering these ingredients is key to making your one-pot creamy spinach orzo. The orzo pasta serves as a wonderful base. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. Heavy cream or coconut cream gives it that rich, creamy texture. Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth, but nutritional yeast works for a vegan twist. Next, we have the aromatics. Diced onion and minced garlic build the flavor foundation. Olive oil helps sauté these ingredients, making them fragrant and delicious. Salt, pepper, and nutmeg add warmth and balance. Finally, the vegetable broth and lemon zest brighten the dish. Each ingredient plays a role, so ensure you have them all ready. This will make cooking smooth and enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. Dice the onion into small pieces. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Next, mince the garlic cloves finely. This will add great flavor. Finally, chop the fresh spinach into bite-sized pieces. It will wilt nicely in the pot. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about three to four minutes until it turns translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute until you smell the garlic. Now, add the orzo pasta to the pot. Toast it lightly by stirring for about two minutes. This step adds a nice flavor. Next, pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for eight to ten minutes, stirring often. The orzo should be tender, and most of the broth will absorb. Once done, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg if you like. Cook for another two to three minutes. The spinach should wilt, and everything becomes creamy. For a fresh touch, stir in the lemon zest at the end. To keep your orzo from getting mushy, watch the cooking time closely. Stir the orzo often while it cooks. This will help it cook evenly. I recommend cooking it for 8-10 minutes. If you want creaminess, use more broth or cream. Start with the recipe's amounts and adjust to your taste. To boost the flavor, add spices like garlic powder or herbs like basil. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. For garnishes, consider using extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice. This adds brightness to the dish. Fresh herbs like parsley can also enhance the look and taste. For this one-pot meal, use a large pot or a deep skillet. A heavy-bottomed pot helps cook the orzo evenly. To save time, use a garlic press for minced garlic. A good cutting board will make chopping easy. These tools simplify your prep and cooking process. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and flavor to the dish. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter dish, use half-and-half or reduce the amount of heavy cream. If you prefer it creamier, feel free to add more cream! Experiment with Cheese: Swap out Parmesan for other cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist on flavor. Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Stir frequently while cooking the orzo to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensure even cooking. {{image_2}} You can easily adapt this recipe for a vegan diet. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream. It gives a rich taste and keeps it creamy. For cheese, swap grated Parmesan with nutritional yeast. This adds a cheesy flavor without using dairy. You can also add plant-based protein, like tofu or tempeh, to make the dish heartier. Just sauté them before adding the orzo for great flavor. If you want to add protein, chicken or shrimp are great options. Cook them separately and mix them in at the end. For a vegetarian choice, try adding beans. Chickpeas or black beans work well. They not only add protein but also make the dish more filling and tasty. Be sure to rinse canned beans to reduce sodium. You can change the veggies based on what’s in season. In spring, add peas or asparagus. In summer, try zucchini or bell peppers. These swaps will keep your dish fresh and exciting. Adjust the lemon zest too. If it's summer, use more for a bright taste. In winter, a little less zest works well to balance the flavors. Store your leftover creamy spinach orzo in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can also use a glass bowl with a lid. The orzo will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools down before you put it away. This helps avoid extra moisture in the container. You can freeze creamy spinach orzo if you want to save some for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. It will stay good in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. To heat it, add a splash of broth or water. This helps bring back the creaminess. If you have busy weeknights, make this dish ahead of time. You can cook a big batch and store it in portions. Use small containers for easy lunches or dinners. This way, you have a quick meal ready to go. Just heat it up when you're hungry. You can also add some extra toppings like fresh spinach or cheese when you reheat it for added flavor. Yes, you can use whole grain orzo. It adds a rich flavor and more fiber. However, the cooking time may change. Whole grain orzo takes about 10-12 minutes to cook. Just check for doneness before adding the spinach and cream. Creamy spinach orzo pairs well with many dishes. Here are some great options: - Grilled chicken for added protein - Roasted vegetables for a colorful plate - A mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette - Garlic bread for a comforting touch These sides balance the creamy orzo flavors nicely. To make creamy spinach orzo gluten-free, choose gluten-free orzo. Many brands offer rice or corn-based options. Cook the gluten-free pasta as directed on the package. This usually requires a similar cooking time, but always check for the best results. You can enjoy this dish without gluten while keeping all the creamy goodness! In this blog post, we explored a delicious creamy spinach orzo recipe. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and storage tips. Remember, using fresh ingredients makes all the difference. Don’t hesitate to try variations and adjust flavors to suit your taste. Cooking can be fun and rewarding! Enjoy your creamy orzo dish, and share it with friends or family. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Keep experimenting, and make it your own!

One-Pot Creamy Spinach Orzo

A delicious and creamy orzo pasta dish cooked in one pot with fresh spinach and rich flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 zest lemon

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the orzo pasta to the pot and toast it lightly, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chopped spinach, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
  • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the mixture is creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Finally, stir in the lemon zest for a burst of freshness.

Notes

Serve garnished with extra Parmesan and lemon zest for added flavor.
Keyword creamy, one pot, orzo, spinach, vegetarian