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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for heat For this dish, you can easily adjust the amounts. If you want more sauce, add more cream and cheese. If you prefer less, cut back a bit. You can swap the orzo for other small pasta like ditalini or couscous. Your choice of cheese can also change the flavor. Try using Asiago or Pecorino for a twist. To boost the taste, consider adding: - Crushed red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh herbs like basil or parsley for brightness - Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy punch - A squeeze of lemon juice for freshness These extras can make your Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo even more special. Experiment with what you love! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to cook the orzo pasta. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo. Cook it based on the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the orzo and set it aside. Make sure it doesn’t stick together. Next, you’ll sauté the garlic and spinach. Use the same pot you cooked the orzo in. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not browned. Then, stir in 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down nicely. Now, it’s time to create a creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring it in with the garlic and spinach. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. This step is key for making the sauce rich and smooth. After that, add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Finally, combine everything together. Add the cooked orzo back into the pot with the creamy sauce. Stir well until the orzo is fully coated in the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for some heat if you like. Serve it hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your creamy Parmesan spinach orzo! To make the creamiest sauce, use full-fat heavy cream. It gives the dish a rich texture. Heat the cream gently with the spinach and garlic. This method helps it blend well without curdling. Stir the Parmesan cheese in slowly. This ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce. If you like a little zing, add crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They last for about three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream. This helps restore the sauce's creaminess. Heat it on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the orzo mushy. Garnish your dish with extra grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add color and flavor. You can serve this orzo with grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. A light salad or steamed veggies pair nicely too. This dish is versatile and great for any meal. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Always cook orzo in plenty of salted water to ensure it doesn't stick together. Stir occasionally for even cooking. Fresh Spinach Flavor: For the best flavor, use fresh spinach instead of frozen. It adds a brighter taste and better texture to the dish. Cheese Melting Tips: Remove the pot from heat before adding Parmesan cheese to prevent it from clumping and to ensure a smooth sauce. Heat Level Adjustment: If you prefer a bit of spice, add crushed red pepper flakes gradually, tasting as you go to find your perfect heat level. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your creamy Parmesan spinach orzo. Chicken works great. Just cook it in the pot before adding garlic and spinach. Shrimp is also a fantastic choice. Sauté shrimp until pink and tender, then mix it into the dish. If you prefer a plant-based option, try tofu. Use firm tofu, cut it into cubes, and sauté it until golden. Each protein adds flavor and makes the dish more filling. Want to amp up the veggie factor? You can add bell peppers or mushrooms. Sauté them with the garlic for a rich taste. Broccoli or zucchini can also work well. Just chop them small and add when you introduce the spinach. This not only adds color but also boosts nutrition. Feel free to get creative with your favorite vegetables! If you're gluten-free, swap out the orzo for quinoa or rice. Both work well and keep the dish hearty. For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a nut milk. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. These simple swaps let everyone enjoy this creamy delight without worry. When you have leftover creamy Parmesan spinach orzo, store it in an airtight container. Let the dish cool to room temperature. This helps keep the creamy texture. Once cooled, cover it tightly and place it in the fridge. It is best to eat it within three days for the best taste. You can freeze creamy Parmesan spinach orzo for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as it may expand. If you want to keep it fresh, use freezer bags. Squeeze out the air before sealing. This way, it can last for about two months in the freezer. In the fridge, creamy Parmesan spinach orzo lasts about three days. If frozen, it can last for up to two months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, heat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of cream or water to bring back its creaminess. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! Yes, you can use other pasta. Small shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe work well. They cook quickly and mix nicely with the sauce. You might need to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option. If you want dairy-free, try coconut milk or cashew cream. These substitutes will change the flavor but keep the dish creamy. To add spice, mix in crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount, like 1/4 teaspoon. You can always add more for extra heat. Another option is to use spicy sausage or jalapeños for a kick. Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Cook the orzo and sauce separately. Combine them just before serving. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Pair this dish with a simple salad or garlic bread. Roasted vegetables also complement it well. For a protein boost, grilled chicken or shrimp are great choices. We covered how to make Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo, from ingredients to cooking steps. Remember, you can mix in proteins or veggies for more flavor. Use the tips for the creamiest sauce and store leftovers properly. This dish is versatile and easy to adapt. Enjoy your creamy orzo, and don’t hesitate to experiment with new flavors!

Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo

A delicious and creamy orzo pasta dish with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant but not browned.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  • Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the spinach and garlic. Allow it to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the grated Parmesan cheese and dried basil to the pot, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Add the cooked orzo back into the pot with the creamy spinach mixture and stir until fully coated. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  • Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.

Notes

Optional: Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
Keyword creamy, orzo, Parmesan, pasta, spinach