Description
Creamy Garlic Spinach Orzo is a delightful pasta dish that wraps tender orzo in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce, perfectly complemented by vibrant spinach. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also offers a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress family and guests alike. With its luscious texture and customizable ingredients, it’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- 2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
- 3. Wilt the Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted (2-3 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- 4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- 5. Combine Orzo with Sauce: Fold in cooked orzo and Parmesan cheese until well combined and coated.
- 6. Serve It Up: Transfer servings to plates or bowls, topping with extra Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 75mg