Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo is a comforting and delicious dish that’s easy to make. The creamy texture combined with the savory Parmesan and fresh spinach makes it a perfect meal or side dish. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is great because it’s quick and simple. With just a few ingredients, you can create a rich and satisfying meal. It’s also customizable—you can easily add in other veggies or proteins to suit your tastes. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens for a healthier option!

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken or veggie broth
1 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 1/2 cups fresh spinach
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes or sun-dried tomatoes for a kick

Directions:

In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the orzo pasta, toasting it for 1–2 minutes until slightly golden.
Add the chicken or veggie broth and milk. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook uncovered, stirring often, for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until creamy. Then, add the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with extra shaved Parmesan if desired.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo

Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo is best served warm. It can be enjoyed on its own as a cozy main dish or as a delightful side to grilled chicken or fish. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds a nice touch, and a dash of red pepper flakes can bring some heat for those who enjoy a little spice.

How to Store Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo

To store leftovers, let the orzo cool down to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth in a saucepan to bring back its creamy texture.

Tips to Make Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo

Make sure to stir the orzo frequently while it cooks to prevent it from sticking.
If you want extra creaminess, you can add more milk or cream.
Feel free to add in other veggies like mushrooms or peppers for more flavor and texture!

Variation

For a twist, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein. You can also substitute the spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard. For a burst of flavor, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.

FAQs

Q: Can I use whole wheat orzo instead of regular orzo?
A: Yes! Whole wheat orzo is a great alternative that adds more fiber.

Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and keep the dish meat-free.

Q: Can I freeze Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo?
A: It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it. Just make sure to leave out any added cream or cheese until you reheat it to maintain texture.