Description
This creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender orzo cooked al dente and coated in a rich Parmesan cheese and spinach sauce. The sauce is made by sautéing green onions and garlic, creating a roux with flour, and then simmering with milk until thickened. Fresh spinach and Parmesan add vibrant color and a luscious cheesy finish, making this an ideal side or a light main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- Salt, to taste for boiling water
Sauce
- 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
- Cook Orzo: Bring a large pot of very salty water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium-sized pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped green onions and minced garlic. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 1 minute until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to the pot and stir to combine with the sautéed aromatics.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir well to incorporate. Let it cook for approximately 30 seconds to eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Make Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reaches a gentle simmer, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach until it wilts and is evenly distributed within the sauce.
- Incorporate Cheese: Add the shredded Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Orzo and Sauce: Return the cooked orzo to the pot with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the orzo evenly in the creamy spinach Parmesan sauce.
- Serve: Turn off the heat and serve the Parmesan Spinach Orzo immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using very salty water helps season the orzo pasta from within, enhancing overall flavor.
- For a richer sauce, use whole milk; you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the flour slightly to 3 tablespoons.
- This dish can be served as a side to grilled chicken or fish or enjoyed as a vegetarian main dish.
- Make sure to stir continuously when adding milk to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Fresh spinach is recommended for vibrant color, but you can also use frozen spinach (thawed and drained) in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Parmesan orzo, spinach pasta, creamy orzo recipe, vegetarian pasta dish, easy Italian side dish
