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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Spinach

A fork lifts a cheesy bite of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Spinach, showing melted cheese strings.
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Make a rich and satisfying Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Spinach quickly on the stovetop. This recipe delivers a flavorful, cheesy pasta perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
  6. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts completely into the sauce, which takes about 1 to 2 minutes.
  7. Season with black pepper and salt to your taste.
  8. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but you may need to cook the sauce slightly longer to reach the desired thickness.
  • If you want to add protein, stir in cooked, shredded chicken or sautéed shrimp during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
  • To prevent the orzo from becoming gluey, stir frequently while the broth is absorbing.

Nutrition

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