Creamy Orzo Recipe
Indulge in the comforting delight of creamy orzo, a dish that combines tender pasta with a luscious sauce. This recipe features velvety heavy cream and rich Parmesan cheese, accented by fresh spinach and zesty lemon. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, creamy orzo is versatile, customizable, and impossible to resist. Treat your family and friends to this satisfying meal that pleases even the pickiest eaters.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (baby spinach recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- 2. Sauté garlic and spinach: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- 3. Create the sauce: Pour in vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- 4. Incorporate cheese and zest: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest until melted and creamy.
- 5. Combine with orzo: Gently fold in cooked orzo, ensuring it is evenly coated with the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg