Go Back
To make One-Pot Creamy Lemon Spinach Orzo, you need a few key items. Each ingredient plays a special role in making this dish creamy and full of flavor. - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Juice and zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh basil or parsley for garnish Orzo pasta and vegetable broth form the base of this dish. The orzo cooks up tender and absorbs all the flavors. The broth adds a savory depth to every bite. Creamy components like heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a rich sauce that coats the orzo. This makes each spoonful feel luxurious and satisfying. Flavor enhancers include garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. Garlic gives a warm aroma. Olive oil adds richness. Lemon juice and zest brighten the dish, making it fresh and zesty. Fresh additions are the chopped spinach and garnish options. Spinach wilts down, adding color and nutrients. Fresh basil or parsley on top adds a pop of green and enhances the taste. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a delicious meal! Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. You want it fragrant but not brown. This step adds a rich flavor to our dish. Next, add one cup of orzo pasta to the pot. Stir continuously to coat the orzo in the garlicky oil. Toast the orzo for about two minutes. You want it to turn slightly golden. This step enhances the flavor of the orzo. Now, gently pour in two cups of vegetable broth. Stir the mixture to combine everything well. Raise the heat and bring it to a gentle boil. Once it boils, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about ten minutes. This allows the orzo to cook al dente while soaking up most of the liquid. After the orzo has cooked, fold in one cup of chopped spinach. Then, add half a cup of heavy cream and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon and add its zest too. Stir everything to combine. Let it cook for another two to three minutes. This helps the spinach wilt and makes the dish creamy. Finally, season the mixture with salt and pepper. You can also add red pepper flakes for a little heat, if you like. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This resting time helps thicken the sauce, making it even creamier. Serve the creamy orzo in bowls, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor and a lovely pop of color. - Perfecting al dente orzo: To achieve the perfect al dente texture, aim for a cooking time of about 10 minutes. Stir the orzo often while it cooks. This helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking. Remember, the orzo will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from heat. - Tips for a creamy texture: Use heavy cream for a rich and velvety sauce. After adding the cream, let the mix simmer for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and thicken. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth to loosen it. - Suggestions for adding protein: You can easily make this dish heartier by adding protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work well. Stir them in just before serving to warm them up without overcooking. - Adjusting spices to personal preference: Feel free to customize the spices. Add more red pepper flakes for heat or a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also bring extra flavor. Don't be shy; taste as you go to find your ideal balance! {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the orzo in this dish. Other pasta types like quinoa or couscous work well too. Each choice brings a unique taste and texture. Experiment to find your favorite. When it comes to greens, spinach is just the start. You can use kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula. Each green adds its own flavor and nutrients. Try different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a twist. These swaps can change the whole dish! If you follow a vegan diet, you can make simple swaps. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy taste. This way, you keep all the creaminess without dairy. For those needing gluten-free options, use gluten-free orzo or rice. Make sure to check the broth for gluten-free labels. These changes let everyone enjoy this creamy dish! To keep your creamy lemon spinach orzo fresh, store it in the fridge. Use airtight containers to avoid moisture loss. I recommend glass containers because they do not stain and keep food fresh. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing it. This helps prevent excess condensation, which can lead to soggy orzo. When reheating orzo, the best method is on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to the pot to revive the creaminess. Heat it gently over low to medium heat while stirring. This keeps the orzo from sticking and helps maintain its texture. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, you keep the flavors bright and delicious. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make One-Pot Creamy Lemon Spinach Orzo ahead of time. Just cook it as usual and let it cool. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. What can I serve with orzo? Orzo pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. A crisp salad or garlic bread also works great. The creamy orzo acts as a perfect base for these flavors. How to prevent the orzo from becoming mushy? To keep the orzo firm, follow a few simple steps. First, use the right amount of liquid. This recipe calls for two cups of broth for one cup of orzo. Stir the orzo while cooking to prevent clumping. Also, check for doneness a minute or two before the time is up. Can I freeze One-Pot Creamy Lemon Spinach Orzo? Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal. The cream may change in texture when frozen. If you do freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container. Use it within a month for the best taste. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. In this blog post, we explored how to make One-Pot Creamy Lemon Spinach Orzo. We discussed key ingredients like orzo pasta, vegetable broth, and creamy elements. I shared step-by-step cooking methods for perfect flavor and texture. Remember to try the tips for adding protein and adjusting spices. You can also customize this dish with different greens or make it vegan. Storing and reheating leftovers is easy with the right tips. Enjoy creating this simple, flavorful dish that can impress anyone!

One-Pot Creamy Lemon Spinach Orzo

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this delicious one-pot creamy lemon spinach orzo! This simple recipe combines tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon for a bright and satisfying meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's perfect for busy schedules or cozy nights in. Discover how to make this creamy dish that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family at dinner!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant but not browned.

    Add the orzo pasta to the pot, stirring continuously to ensure the orzo is evenly coated in the garlic-infused oil. Toast the orzo for approximately 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes slightly golden.

      Gently pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This should allow the orzo to cook al dente while absorbing most of the liquid.

        Once the orzo has cooked, fold in the chopped spinach, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and zest. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will allow the spinach to wilt and the dish to become creamy and luscious.

          Season the mixture to your taste with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.

            Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes. This resting time will help the sauce thicken slightly for a creamier texture.

              Dish up the creamy orzo into bowls, garnishing each serving with fresh basil or parsley. This not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor profile.

                Vorbereitungszeit: 10 Minuten | Gesamtzeit: 25 Minuten | Portionen: 4