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orzo recipes Recipe

Orzo Recipes

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Orzo with Spinach is a quick, elegant, and comforting pasta dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/3 cups dry orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 unit zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese Plus more for serving.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Or to taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes Optional for heat.

Equipment

  • 1 medium pot
  • 1 large skillet or saute pan
  • 1 zester or grater
  • 1 cutting board

Method
 

  1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.
  2. While orzo cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
  5. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add drained orzo to the skillet.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  7. Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper (and red pepper flakes if using). Stir until creamy, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a silkier sauce.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, topped with extra parmesan if desired.

Notes

To make this dish vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil, use coconut or soy cream, and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese.
Add cooked shrimp or chicken for additional protein.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen before reheating.