Confession, I don’t think I’ve ever cooked with orzo until today (could I really consider myself an Italian food fanatic and never have made orzo?). I’ve gotten it at restaurants and what not but I’ve never really thought to make it at home. I don’t know why because I love its texture, and I’m a total pasta addict so it’s crazy that I’ve never cooked with it. After making this though, that’s definitely going to change.
This stuff is so easy and so delicious! It seems similar to a pasta covered in alfredo sauce and then it has an addition of fresh spinach and parsley (but yes it is way lighter in calories than a traditional alfredo sauce and it isn’t so heavy). It makes a perfect side dish, or I’m sure it would make a great main entree if you wanted to toss in some kind of protein like chicken or shrimp. And if you can’t resist, feel free to add in more spinach or garlic. Enjoy!
5 from 1 vote Review Recipe
Parmesan and Spinach Orzo
An easy to make side dish that’s perfect for your favorite Italian dinners!
Servings: 10
Prep10 minutesCook15 minutesReady in: 25 minutes
Ingredients2 1/2 cups uncooked whole wheat orzo2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil6 Tbsp finely chopped yellow onion2 cloves garlic , minced2 tsp all-purpose flour1 cup milk (I used 2%)1/4 cup heavy creamSalt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste1 1/2 cups packed chopped spinach1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley3 oz finely shredded Parmesan (3/4 cup slightly packed), plus more for topping
InstructionsCook orzo according to directions listed on package. Meanwhile in a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and saute until tender, about 3 minutes. Add in garlic and flour and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. While whisking slowly pour in milk and cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.Mix in chopped spinach and parsley and allow to heat just until spinach begins to wilt, about 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in Parmesan. Stir until cheese melts (returning to warm heat if needed to help melt cheese). Stir in drained orzo and serve warm garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
NotesRecipe adapted slightly from Life as a Strawberry
Nutrition Facts Parmesan and Spinach Orzo
Amount Per Serving
Calories 237 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%Saturated Fat 3g19%Cholesterol 17mg6%Sodium 150mg7%Potassium 176mg5%Carbohydrates 31g10%Fiber 1g4%Sugar 3g3%Protein 5g10% Vitamin A 802IU16%Vitamin C 3mg4%Calcium 144mg14%Iron 1mg6% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.
Course: Side DishCuisine: ItalianKeyword: Orzo, Orzo Recipe Author: Jaclyn
5 from 1 vote
Review Recipe
Nutrition Facts Parmesan and Spinach Orzo
Amount Per Serving
Calories 237 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%Saturated Fat 3g19%Cholesterol 17mg6%Sodium 150mg7%Potassium 176mg5%Carbohydrates 31g10%Fiber 1g4%Sugar 3g3%Protein 5g10% Vitamin A 802IU16%Vitamin C 3mg4%Calcium 144mg14%Iron 1mg6% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.
Nutrition Facts
Parmesan and Spinach Orzo
Amount Per Serving
Calories 237 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Cholesterol 17mg6%
Sodium 150mg7%
Potassium 176mg5%
Carbohydrates 31g10%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 802IU16%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
Calcium 144mg14%
Iron 1mg6%
- Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Side DishCuisine: ItalianKeyword: Orzo, Orzo Recipe
Author: Jaclyn
