Make this bright and comforting Creamy Lemon Spinach Orzo for a wonderful side dish. Its rich texture pairs perfectly with chicken, seafood, or salmon.
Author:Elias Rodger
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Side Dish
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 cups fresh spinach
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo pasta and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Pour in the broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the orzo is tender.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well.
Add the spinach in batches, stirring until it wilts completely into the orzo.
Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve immediately.
Notes
You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a slightly lighter result.
For extra flavor, stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard with the cream.
This dish reheats well, but you may need to add a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.