Cooking orzo in just one skillet with a blend of broth and cream transforms it into a side dish similiar to the texture of risotto—utterly creamy, irresistibly soft, and incredibly comforting. This Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Cheese Orzo includes spinach and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, all achieved in just 15 minutes!
EASY SIDE DISHES
As we navigate the hustle and bustle of daily life, there’s a universal quest for recipes that are not only delicious but also practical. Look no further than our latest kitchen triumph – the One-Skillet Creamy Spinach Orzo. This side dish is the superhero of simplicity, designed for those who want big flavors without the big mess, because I for one never look forward to an avalanche of dirty dishes.
WHAT IS ORZO?
Orzo are little tiny little pasta that hold their shape and bite. They are basically the size and shape of rice and are very similar in their cooking method. Sauces adhere to the little pasta really well. It can almost be compared to a risotto type of texture.
Creamy orzo recipes often involve using two pans—one for boiling the orzo and another for crafting the sauce. But then, a light bulb moment: why not boil the orzo right in the sauce together? This genius idea not only simplifies the process but also cuts down on the cleanup, making our lives a tad tidier, one pan at a time.
HOW TO MAKE SPINACH & PARMESAN ORZO
- Preparing Onions and Toasting Orzo: To ensure your orzo dish reaches perfection, start by softening the onions. Let them sweat gently over low heat until they become tender; this typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic only during the last 30 seconds to one minute of this process. At this point, introduce the orzo to the mix. You’ll notice the orzo taking on a subtle golden hue on the edges.
- Cooking the Orzo: To bring the orzo to al dente perfection, incorporate both broth and milk. Stir periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This step guarantees a creamy, well-cooked orzo.
- Final Touch – Remove from Heat: Once the orzo achieves its ideal texture, remove the skillet from the heat. Finish it off by adding the chopped spinach and cheeses.
BALANCING SODIUM
Side dishes play a in rounding out a meal, providing texture, color, and, of course, flavor. However, when it comes to salt content, finding the right balance is key. Many side dishes, especially those featuring broths or cheese may already contain sodium.
In our recipe, consider salting the onions lightly during the sweating process to enhance their natural flavors only if you are using low-sodium or even no-sodium alternatives to maintain control over salt levels. This way, you have complete control over the dish’s salt content and you can customize the seasoning to your liking.
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LOOKING FOR MORE GREAT ORZO SIDE DISHES:
- Creamy Garlic Orzo: Dive into the comforting simplicity of creamy garlic orzo—whipping up a quick yet flavorful side that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters in the family.
- Creamy Cheddar and Broccoli Orzo: Tackle dinnertime with ease by serving up creamy cheddar and broccoli orzo; it’s a kid-approved twist on mac and cheese with the added bonus of nutritious broccoli.
- Lemon Orzo with Asparagus: Brighten up your dinner routine with lemon orzo featuring asparagus—because sometimes, a zesty and quick side dish is all you need to elevate the family meal amidst the chaos.
ONE SKILLET CREAMY SPINACH AND PARMESAN ORZO RECIPE
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PrintOne Skillet Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Orzo
- Total Time: 25-35 min
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- ½ Cup Onion, diced small
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced (1 teaspoon)
- 1 Cup Orzo
- 1 Cup Chicken Broth
- ½ Cup Whole Milk
- 1 Cup Fresh Spinach, stems removed and cut into small pieces (measure after chopping)
- ¾ Cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ Cup Mozzarella Cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the olive oil and butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add the onion and stir. Cook for approximately 2 minutes, stirring until the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and stir. Add the orzo. Cook the orzo for a minute or 2 until it just begins to brown.
- Carefully add the chicken broth, then the milk. Turn the heat to low and cover. Stir the orzo occasionally to ensure it is cooking evenly and not sticking to the pan. Cook 10 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is al dente.
- Remove the orzo from the heat and add the spinach, stir and again cover to let it wilt. Sprinkle in the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir to combine.
NOTE: You can add a little salt while cooking the onion or once the liquid is added. However, keep in mind the salt from the parmesan cheese is high as well as the chicken broth. I found no salt was needed for this recipe.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: side dish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250-300
- Sugar: 2-4 gr
- Sodium: varies based on broth
- Fat: 10-15 gr
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 gr
- Fiber: 2-4 gr
- Protein: 10-15 gr
Anonymous
I made this last night. It was quite good.
Anonymous
This looks so good