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Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo Recipe with Wilted Spinach for Perfect Dinner

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A quick and comforting creamy garlic parmesan orzo with wilted spinach that is simple to make and perfect for weeknight dinners. This dish features a velvety sauce infused with garlic and parmesan, balanced by fresh spinach.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170 g) orzo pasta
  • 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • ¾ cup (75 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups (about 90 g) fresh baby spinach
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice or sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Mince 3 to 4 garlic cloves finely and rinse 3 cups of fresh baby spinach. Grate the parmesan cheese if not pre-grated.
  2. In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons (30 g) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in 1 cup (170 g) of dry orzo pasta. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to coat the grains with butter and garlic.
  4. Add 2 cups (480 ml) of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low-medium. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed—about 10 to 12 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream followed by ¾ cup (75 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Add a splash of broth or cream if too thick.
  6. Add 3 cups (90 g) fresh baby spinach on top of the orzo. Cover the pan for 1 to 2 minutes to let the spinach wilt. Then stir gently to combine.
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice.
  8. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Toast the orzo in butter and garlic before adding broth to add nuttiness. Avoid browning garlic to prevent bitterness. Use freshly grated parmesan for a smooth sauce. Wilt spinach at the end to keep it bright and tender. Reheat leftovers gently with broth or cream to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy orzo, garlic parmesan orzo, wilted spinach, easy dinner, quick pasta, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/easy-creamy-garlic-parmesan-orzo-recipe-with-wilted-spinach-for-perfect-dinner/