Go Back
To make One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Spinach, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you'll need: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. Orzo pasta serves as the base, soaking up the broth. Olive oil adds richness while garlic brings a punch of flavor. The vegetable broth gives depth, and spinach adds color and nutrients. Parmesan cheese provides creaminess and a savory taste. Heavy cream enhances the dish's richness, making it comforting. Italian seasoning ties everything together with herbs, while salt and pepper help balance flavors. Finally, lemon zest and fresh parsley brighten the dish and add a fresh finish. With these ingredients, you're set to create a delicious, one-pot meal that’s both easy and satisfying. 1. Heating the olive oil Start by placing a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let the oil warm for about a minute. This step adds flavor and helps cook the garlic. 2. Sautéing the garlic Next, add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the hot oil. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not browned. Browned garlic can taste bitter, so keep a close eye on it. 3. Toasting the orzo pasta Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent it from sticking. This step gives the pasta a nice nutty flavor. 4. Adding vegetable broth and cooking orzo Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 8-10 minutes. The orzo should be al dente, and most of the liquid should be absorbed. 5. Stirring in spinach and incorporating cheese and cream Now, add 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach. Stir until it wilts, which takes about 2 minutes. Lower the heat, then mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Combine everything until it looks creamy and delicious. By following these steps, you will create a delightful one-pot meal filled with garlic, cheese, and fresh spinach. Each step builds flavor and makes the dish rich and satisfying. Enjoy the process and the yummy result! - Ensuring proper orzo cooking: To cook orzo well, use enough broth. The orzo should soak up the flavors. Keep an eye on it. Stir often to prevent sticking. Cook until it is al dente, slightly firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. - Maximizing flavor with garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best taste. Sauté it just until fragrant. If it browns, it can taste bitter. Stir the garlic into the olive oil before adding the orzo. This helps the flavor spread throughout the dish. - Techniques to achieve creaminess: To make your dish creamy, add heavy cream and cheese at the end. Mix well until smooth. Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps it thicken and become even creamier. - Garnishing tips with lemon zest and parsley: Brighten your dish with lemon zest. It adds a fresh, zesty touch. Use fresh parsley for color and flavor. Sprinkle both on top before serving. This will make your dish look vibrant and inviting. - Serving style ideas: Serve the orzo in warm bowls. This keeps it cozy and enjoyable. You can also pair it with a simple salad. This adds a nice crunch and freshness to your meal. {{image_2}} You can change up the greens you use in this dish. Instead of spinach, try kale or Swiss chard. Both add a nice pop of color and nutrients. You can also use arugula for a peppery kick. If you want a non-dairy option for cream, consider using coconut cream or cashew cream. Both give a rich texture without dairy. Almond milk can work too, but it may be thinner. For cheese, Parmesan is classic, but you can switch it up. Try feta for a tangy twist or goat cheese for creaminess. Nutritional yeast is a great option for a dairy-free cheese flavor. Want to add protein? Chicken or shrimp works great here. Cook them separately and stir them in before serving. You can also add cooked beans for a plant-based protein option. To enhance the flavor, add herbs like basil or thyme. A little red pepper flake can bring some heat. Fresh herbs added at the end will elevate the taste too. Mixing in a pinch of smoked paprika can add depth to the dish. To store leftovers of your One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Spinach, follow these steps: - Let the orzo cool: Allow it to cool for about 20 minutes. This helps prevent condensation in the storage container. - Use airtight containers: Choose a container with a tight seal to keep the orzo fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well. - Refrigerate promptly: Place the container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps it safe to eat later. - Consume within three days: For the best taste, eat the leftovers within three days. Reheating your orzo can be simple. Here’s how to do it right: - Use low heat: When reheating, use a skillet or saucepan over low heat. This helps keep the creaminess intact. - Add a splash of broth or cream: If the orzo looks dry, add a little vegetable broth or cream. This will restore its creamy texture. - Stir often: Keep stirring the orzo as it heats. This prevents it from sticking and ensures even warmth. - Avoid the microwave: Microwaving can make the orzo dry or rubbery. If you must use it, do so in short bursts, stirring in between. Following these tips will help you enjoy your orzo dish even after the first serving! You can tell orzo is done when it is soft but still firm. It should have a slight bite, known as al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes of cooking. Keep tasting as it cooks to find the perfect texture. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Try small shapes like ditalini or even penne. Adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Remember, different pasta will change the dish's texture. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Garlic Parmesan orzo pairs well with many dishes. Try serving it with grilled chicken or fish. You can also add a side salad or roasted vegetables. This adds color and nutrition to your meal. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Garlic Parmesan Orzo. We went through the needed ingredients, like orzo pasta and fresh spinach, and detailed the step-by-step process. You learned tips for cooking and presenting the dish, along with variations to switch things up. In the end, this dish is quick, flavorful, and easy to adapt. I encourage you to try it and enjoy the creamy goodness!

One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Spinach

Indulge in the deliciousness of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Spinach! This easy recipe combines comforting orzo pasta, rich Parmesan, and vibrant spinach, making it a perfect weeknight meal. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a creamy dish that's sure to impress. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy every bite. #PastaRecipes #EasyDinner #ComfortFood #VegetarianCooking
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Zest of 1 lemon (for garnish)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.

      Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

        Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

          Add the chopped spinach to the pot, stirring until wilted, about 2 minutes.

            Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Mix well until combined and creamy.

              Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

                Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the orzo in bowls, garnished with lemon zest and chopped fresh parsley for an added pop of color and freshness. Enjoy warm!