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
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, releasing its aromatic essence for roughly 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper, carefully balancing the overall taste profile.
- 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