Creamy Spinach Orzo Dish (Print Version)

Orzo cooked in creamy sauce with spinach and Parmesan for a satisfying, quick meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta & Dairy

01 - 1 cup orzo pasta
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cups vegetable broth
07 - 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
08 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
09 - ⅓ cup cream cheese, softened

→ Vegetables

10 - 4 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
11 - Salt, to taste
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
13 - Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

→ Garnish

14 - Extra Parmesan cheese
15 - Freshly ground black pepper

# How To:

01 - Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
02 - Add orzo to the skillet and toast lightly, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes to enhance flavor.
03 - Pour in vegetable broth and milk, stirring well. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
04 - Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until orzo is al dente and most liquid has absorbed, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
05 - Stir in softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan until fully melted and sauce becomes creamy.
06 - Add roughly chopped spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and nutmeg if desired.
07 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in one pan while you're still thinking about your day, no juggling multiple pots or complicated timing.
  • The cream cheese melts into a sauce so silky it feels indulgent, but it's actually straightforward enough for a weeknight.
  • Spinach sneaks in without fanfare, and somehow everyone eats more vegetables without noticing.
02 -
  • Stir frequently while the orzo cooks so it doesn't stick to the bottom and scorch, which turns everything bitter fast.
  • The sauce will seem thinner than you expect when the spinach goes in, but the orzo will keep absorbing liquid even off the heat, so resist the urge to add more.
03 -
  • Keep the heat at medium-low once the liquid goes in so the pasta cooks gently and the sauce doesn't break or scorch.
  • Have your Parmesan and cream cheese ready to go before you start cooking, so you can add them smoothly without scrambling when the moment comes.
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