Dinner

Parmesan Spinach Orzo Recipe

ByLila Prescott October 24, 2025October 24, 2025

Introduction

This Parmesan Spinach Orzo is a comforting and creamy pasta dish that’s easy to prepare. With fresh spinach and a cheesy sauce, it makes a perfect weeknight dinner or a delightful side. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that combines tender orzo with a flavorful parmesan sauce.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy spinach orzo dish in a white pan on a white marbled surface. The orzo pasta is cooked and mixed with chopped green spinach, creating a mix of off-white and green colors. The texture looks smooth and creamy with some loose, soft pasta grains visible. A wooden spoon is placed in the pan, partially covered with the creamy orzo, stirring the layers of pasta and spinach. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 green onions, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste
2 Tablespoons flour

1 3/4 cups milk
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the orzo in very salty water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat.
Step 3: Add the chopped green onion and minced garlic to the oil. Sauté for about one minute, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 4: Season with salt and pepper, stirring to combine.
Step 5: Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir well. Allow it to cook for about 30 seconds to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 6: Slowly add the milk a little at a time while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reaches a low simmer, about 5 to 8 minutes.

Step 7: Stir in the chopped spinach until it wilts into the sauce.
Step 8: Add the shredded parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and creates a smooth sauce.
Step 9: Return the cooked orzo to the pot and toss to coat it thoroughly with the sauce. Turn off the heat and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a warm, aromatic touch.
Use baby kale instead of spinach for a different texture and taste.

To make it vegetarian, ensure the parmesan cheese you use is free of animal rennet.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving at high heat as the sauce may separate.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a bowl filled with creamy pasta mixed with spinach, showing small pasta pieces coated in a smooth, light beige sauce with visible black pepper specks. Bright green spinach leaves are scattered evenly throughout the dish, adding a fresh contrast to the creamy texture. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the sauce to avoid thinning the consistency.

Is orzo gluten-free?

Traditional orzo is made from wheat and contains gluten. For a gluten-free option, look for orzo made from rice or corn, or substitute with another small pasta shape that is certified gluten-free.