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–+ servings
A bowl of creamy spinach orzo, a delicious veggie side dish, topped with grated parmesan and red pepper flakes.

Parmesan and Spinach Orzo

This recipe for Parmesan and Spinach Orzo is a simple and flavorful vegetable side dish that is perfect for any meal. It's quick to make and uses common ingredients, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Orzo Pasta
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
Aromatics and Base
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
Vegetables and Cheese
  • 1 ½ cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large cast iron skillet
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Cook orzo pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions. Drain well.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Stir in spinach until wilted, about 3 minutes.
  6. Stir in Parmesan until melted, about 1 minute.
  7. Stir in the cooked orzo. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve immediately.

Notes

This orzo dish is a versatile side that pairs well with many main courses, including chicken, fish, and pork chops. You can also add other vegetables like peas or chopped bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.

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