Creamy Spinach Orzo Pasta
Creamy Spinach Orzo Pasta – A Cozy, Cheesy Favorite for Any Night
Creamy Spinach Orzo Pasta – A Cozy, Cheesy Favorite for Any Night
Creamy Spinach Orzo Pasta is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—rich, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes. This one-pot wonder brings together tender orzo pasta, wilted fresh spinach, and a velvety parmesan cream sauce, all seasoned with a touch of garlic, basil, and onion for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to add this creamy orzo to your weekly dinner rotation. First, it’s fast—ready in about 30 minutes and made entirely in one pot. That means fewer dishes and more time to relax. Second, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a cozy vegetarian main or a flavorful side dish alongside your favorite protein. And third, it’s just downright delicious. The orzo absorbs all the herby, garlicky broth and turns delightfully creamy with the help of parmesan and half & half. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color, nutrients, and texture, making this dish both indulgent and nourishing.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or when you want something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also easy to customize based on what you have on hand!
🧾 Creamy Spinach Orzo Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Orzo Pasta
- 3 cups Chicken Broth
- ¼ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Dried Basil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Half & Half
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded
- 2 handfuls Fresh Spinach, finely sliced
Instructions:
- Slice the spinach very finely and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- Add the orzo pasta and cook for 7–8 minutes or until slightly al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the onion powder, dried basil, minced garlic, half & half, and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted.
- Continue to cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly to avoid scorching. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the finely sliced spinach until wilted.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the pasta to thicken.
Notes:
No chicken broth? No problem! Use 3 cups of water with 3 bouillon cubes for a delicious substitute.
🥘 Suggested Ways to Serve:
- Pair it with grilled lemon chicken or garlic butter shrimp
- Serve alongside baked salmon or roasted pork tenderloin
- Mix in mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or shredded chicken for a hearty main
- Spoon into roasted bell peppers for an elegant presentation
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Please check my Facebook page Joyful Little Things, or my Pinterest page Joyful Little Things for more recipes.
Meta Description:
Creamy spinach orzo pasta with parmesan and garlic is a quick, cheesy one-pot side dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 cups Orzo Pasta
- 3 cups chicken Broth
- ¼ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Dried Basil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 cup Half & Half
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 2 handfuls Fresh Spinach finely sliced
Instructions
- Slice the spinach very finely. Set aside.
- Over medium heat, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the pasta. Cook for 7-8 minutes or until slightly al dente. Stir occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the onion powder, dried basil, and minced garlic, half & half, and the parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and continue to cook for about 2 more minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Remove from the heat.
- Add the spinach and stir until the spinach is wilted.
- Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. The pasta will thicken as it rests
