With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this spinach and parmesan orzo is ideal for those busy weeknights or when you need something light yet satisfying. The perfectly cooked orzo combined with tender fresh spinach and the salty allure of Parmesan offers a delightful culinary experience. This dish not only stands strong as a main but can also be a complement to your favorite protein. It’s perfect for those seeking both convenience and taste!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 cup orzo
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Orzo (8-10 minutes): In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Spinach (5 minutes): In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Toss in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Orzo and Spinach (2 minutes): Add the drained orzo to the skillet, mixing it well with the spinach and garlic.
Add Parmesan and Serve (2 minutes): Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the orzo is well coated. If desired, add lemon zest and fresh parsley for an added burst of flavor and color.
Serve (2 minutes): Dish out the orzo onto plates or a serving bowl, garnishing with additional Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like. Pair with a protein of your choice or enjoy on its own.

Notes

This dish is versatile, so feel free to mix in other veggies like sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for extra depth of flavor. For a richer taste, a splash of heavy cream can be added right before the Parmesan. If you’re looking to make this dish a full meal, grilled chicken or shrimp pairs wonderfully with the flavors. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 220
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Pair this with...

Baked Tomatoes with Cheese

Start by selecting some plump, ripe tomatoes. Slice off the tops and scoop out a bit of the insides, making a small well in each. Drizzle a little olive oil over the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Place them in a baking dish. Now, choose your favorite cheese – mozzarella, cheddar, feta, or even Parmesan all work wonderfully. Generously top each tomato with your cheese of choice. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Allow them to cool for a moment before serving and top with fresh herbs if desired.

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Begin with fresh Brussels sprouts, trimming the ends and cutting them in half for a flat, roasting surface. In a mixing bowl, toss the sprouts with olive oil, ensuring each one is glistening and ready for the oven's heat. Now, drizzle them with good-quality balsamic vinegar, which will reduce and caramelize as they roast, imparting a deep, rich flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to balance out that balsamic sweetness. Spread the sprouts evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring each one has space to become crisp. Roast in a preheated oven until they’re beautifully browned and slightly crispy on the outside, while maintaining a tender bite inside.

Cheddar Biscuits

First, heat up your oven. In a bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, baking powder, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of garlic powder for that extra depth. Blend in cold, cubed butter until the mixture looks like chunky crumbs. Fold in a generous handful of sharp cheddar cheese, spreading the cheesy joy throughout. Gently mix in milk, just until the dough pulls together. Now, using a big spoon, drop heaping mounds of this dough onto a baking sheet. They'll be imperfect and that's part of their charm! Slide them into the oven, watching as they expand and brown, with bits of golden cheddar making their appearance. Once baked to perfection, let them cool a bit, but serve warm.