Description
Comfort meets elegance in this creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo, a Mediterranean-inspired dish that whispers of home-cooked warmth. Rich parmesan and tender spinach blend seamlessly, offering you a quick, luxurious meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a pot of generously salted water and cook the orzo until it reaches an al dente texture, following the package guidelines. Carefully drain the pasta and reserve for later use.
- Heat a spacious skillet over medium temperature, gently melting the butter until it becomes lightly golden and fragrant.
- Introduce minced garlic to the butter, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Incorporate fresh spinach leaves into the skillet, gently stirring and allowing them to wilt and reduce in volume, transforming from vibrant green to a softer, more compact state.
- Gradually pour the selected broth into the skillet, creating a gentle simmering environment. Whisk in the rich heavy cream, nutty Parmesan cheese, and earthy dried thyme, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Allow the sauce to develop and slightly thicken, stirring periodically to ensure even consistency and prevent any scorching.
- Fold the previously cooked orzo into the creamy spinach mixture, ensuring each pasta grain becomes thoroughly coated with the luxurious sauce.
- Season the dish with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Transfer the orzo to serving dishes, optionally garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and additional flavor complexity.
Notes
- Choose fresh, crisp spinach for the most vibrant green color and nutrient-packed flavor.
- Grate Parmesan cheese directly from a block for maximum melting and richer taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream and broth quantities – add more liquid for a lighter consistency or reduce for a denser sauce.
- Transform into a vegetarian dish by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth and adding extra protein like white beans or toasted pine nuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 50mg