Creamy Cranberry and Spinach Orzo Recipe: A Cozy Dinner Win

Whipping up a delightful cranberry and spinach orzo brings unexpected magic to your dinner table.

Pasta lovers will adore this vibrant combination of textures and flavors.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together in a surprisingly light yet satisfying dish.

Fresh cranberries add a tangy burst that perfectly complements the tender orzo.

Tender spinach leaves weave through each delectable bite, creating rich layers of taste.

Seasonal produce transforms this simple recipe into something truly extraordinary.

Dive into this comforting meal that promises to wow everyone around your table.

Spinach Orzo Flavors Everyone Enjoys

• Elevate Your Meal Prep: Simple, delicious orzo dish that comes together quickly with minimal ingredients.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Packed with nutrient-rich spinach, sweet cranberries, and protein-packed Parmesan cheese for a balanced meal.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with everything cooked in a single skillet, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy cooking days.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe that works as a side dish, light main course, or impressive potluck contribution suitable for multiple occasions.

Spinach Cranberry Orzo Ingredients

• Orzo: Small rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy texture.

• Olive Oil: Helps toast the orzo.
• Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: Provides moisture and flavor.
• White Wine: Adds depth to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates rich and smooth consistency.

• Garlic: Adds aromatic base to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings salty and nutty notes.
• Nutmeg: Provides warm, subtle spice.

• Fresh Spinach: Adds green color and nutrients.
• Dried Cranberries: Introduces sweet and tart element.

• Salt, Pepper: Balances and enhances overall taste.
• Walnuts or Pecans: Optional crunchy topping for added texture.

Creamy Cranberry Spinach Orzo: How to Prepare It

Step 1: Warm Up the Pan

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Toss in orzo and gently toast until it turns a beautiful golden color, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Introduce minced garlic to the pan, allowing it to dance and release its aromatic essence for about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Liquid Magic

• Broth
• White wine (optional)

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, lower the heat, and let the orzo cook, stirring occasionally. Wait until the pasta becomes tender and most of the liquid disappears.

Step 4: Create Creamy Goodness

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Nutmeg

Let the mixture bubble and thicken for a couple of minutes, creating a luxurious base.

Step 5: Final Flavor Fusion

• Fresh spinach
• Dried cranberries

Keep stirring until spinach wilts and cranberries soften. Season with salt and pepper to match your taste preferences.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Transfer the creamy orzo to serving bowls. For an extra crunch, sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans on top. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the symphony of flavors.

Orzo Tips That Blend Cranberry and Spinach Creaminess

• Select Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh spinach and plump, vibrant cranberries for maximum flavor and texture in your dish.
• Control Liquid Absorption: Watch orzo carefully while cooking, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure perfect al dente consistency.
• Adjust Cream Thickness: If sauce becomes too thick, splash additional broth or wine to maintain a silky, smooth texture without becoming dry.
• Balance Flavor Profiles: Add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness of cranberries and complement the creamy Parmesan undertones.
• Elevate Presentation: Toast nuts briefly in a dry skillet before garnishing to release their rich, nutty aroma and add delightful crunch.

Storing Creamy Cranberry and Spinach Orzo for Later Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Place orzo in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or additional broth to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm the orzo in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
• Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop methods.

What to Pair with Cranberry Spinach Orzo

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy texture and balances the tangy cranberries, enhancing the dish's rich, velvety profile.
• Serve with Roasted Chicken Breast: Match the orzo with a simple roasted chicken seasoned with herbs, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that highlights the dish's creamy and fruity elements.
• Add Butter Lettuce Salad: Create a light side salad with butter lettuce, fresh herbs, and a light vinaigrette to provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy orzo.
• Match with Toasted Almond Garnish: Sprinkle additional toasted almonds or pecans over the dish to add a crunchy texture and nutty depth that elevates the overall dining experience.

Dish Options for Creamy Cranberry and Spinach Orzo

• Vegan Creamy Orzo: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast. Use vegetable broth instead of regular broth.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute orzo with riced cauliflower. Maintain the same cooking method and seasonings for a lighter, low-carb alternative.
• Gluten-Free Quinoa Version: Swap orzo with quinoa. Follow the same toasting and cooking techniques. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add fresh chopped basil, oregano, and thyme. Include crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving.

FAQs

• What type of pasta is used in this recipe?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that works perfectly in this creamy dish, providing a unique texture and helping to absorb the delicious flavors.

• Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the dish won’t be as rich and creamy as the original recipe. The heavy cream creates a luxurious, velvety texture that makes this dish special.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, the recipe is vegetarian as long as you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It’s a great option for those looking for a meat-free meal that’s packed with flavor.

• How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan?

Stir the orzo frequently while cooking and make sure to use enough liquid. Toasting the orzo first helps prevent clumping and adds a nice nutty flavor to the dish.

Creamy Cranberry and Spinach Orzo Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cranberry and spinach orzo weaves Mediterranean magic into a delightful pasta dish that balances tangy fruit with earthy greens. Hearty flavors merge seamlessly, promising a comforting meal you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Grains:

• 1.5 cups orzo pasta

Proteins and Dairy:

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics, Fruits, Nuts, and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, gently transforming orzo to a delicate golden hue through light toasting for approximately 1-2 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, releasing its aromatic essence for roughly 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in broth and white wine, creating a simmering liquid bath for the orzo. Reduce heat and allow the grains to gently absorb the liquid, stirring periodically for 8-10 minutes until achieving a tender consistency.
4. Enrich the mixture with heavy cream, incorporating Parmesan cheese and a whisper of nutmeg. Allow the sauce to thicken and develop depth for 2 minutes.
5. Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the creamy orzo, watching them delicately wilt and intertwine with the grains. Introduce tart cranberries, allowing them to soften and release their vibrant flavor.
6. Season the dish with salt and pepper, carefully balancing the overall taste profile.
7. Transfer the luxurious orzo to serving bowls, optionally crowning the dish with a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans for added texture and nutty complexity. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Notes

• Elevate the toasting process by stirring orzo continuously to prevent uneven browning and achieve a uniform golden color.
• Experiment with broth variations like vegetable or mushroom stock to add depth and complexity to the dish’s flavor profile.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture while introducing a subtle tropical hint.
• Control moisture by adding liquid gradually and monitoring orzo’s absorption to prevent a soggy or dry consistency.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg