Go Back
- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) This dish starts with simple, fresh ingredients. The orzo pasta gives a nice, chewy base. Olive oil adds richness and depth. Garlic adds a fragrant kick, while vegetable broth gives it a savory flavor. Fresh spinach makes it healthy and colorful. The Parmesan cheese brings creaminess and a salty touch. Red pepper flakes add a little heat, but you can skip them if you prefer. Seasoning with salt and black pepper helps balance the flavors. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish. This mix of ingredients creates a lovely, comforting meal. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until it smells great. Be careful not to burn the garlic. - Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook for about 2 minutes. This toasts the orzo and adds flavor. - Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. - Once boiling, lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. - Stir in 2 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Let the spinach wilt for about 2 minutes. - Remove the pot from heat. Add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and becomes creamy. - If you like a little kick, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. - Serve the orzo in bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a lovely look. How to prevent burning garlic Burning garlic can ruin your dish. To avoid this, keep the heat low. Sauté the garlic for only about one minute. Watch it closely. Stir it often. If it starts to brown, reduce the heat or add a splash of broth to cool it down. This will keep the garlic sweet and fragrant. Ensuring perfect orzo texture For the best orzo, use plenty of broth. This helps it cook evenly. Stir it occasionally while it simmers. This keeps it from sticking together. You want the orzo to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Once it absorbs the broth, it’s ready for the spinach and cheese. Best side dishes to pair One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Spinach is filling on its own. You can serve it with a simple salad or garlic bread. A side of roasted vegetables also works well. These sides add color and nutrients to your meal. Creative ways to garnish To make your dish pop, garnish it with chopped parsley. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan on top. For a little heat, add a few red pepper flakes. These small touches make your dish look and taste even better. Alternative ingredients or methods To make this dish healthier, consider using whole grain orzo. You can also swap out the Parmesan for a lower-fat cheese. For a protein boost, add cooked chicken or chickpeas. Lastly, fresh herbs like basil or thyme can enhance flavor without extra calories. {{image_2}} You can make this dish your own. Consider adding protein for a more filling meal. Chicken or shrimp work well. Cook the protein first, then add it back in after the orzo. If you want a vegetarian dish, try chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and fiber too. Enhance the taste with extra herbs and spices. Fresh basil or oregano gives a fresh twist. You could also use thyme or rosemary for a more earthy flavor. If you want a richer taste, swap the Parmesan for a sharper cheese. Try aged cheddar or Gruyère for a unique touch. If you need a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free orzo. Many brands offer this option. Just cook it according to the package instructions. The rest of the recipe stays the same, ensuring you enjoy all the flavors without gluten. To store leftovers, let the orzo cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a microwave or a pot. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Heat it slowly on low. Stir often to make sure it warms evenly. Yes, you can freeze this dish! It freezes well and keeps its flavor. To freeze, let the orzo cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave. Heat it until warm, adding a little broth or water if needed. In the refrigerator, your orzo will last about three days. In the freezer, it can stay fresh for up to three months. Just remember to label your container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored. How long does it take to cook orzo? It takes about 10 minutes to cook orzo. You simmer it in broth until tender. This quick cooking time makes orzo a great choice for busy nights. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it on the stove with a splash of broth. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese? You can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Both will add a nice cheesy flavor. Alternatives for vegetable broth? You can use chicken broth if you are not vegetarian. Water with a pinch of salt works too, but broth adds more flavor. Is this recipe vegan-friendly? No, this recipe is not vegan due to the Parmesan cheese. To make it vegan, swap the cheese for nutritional yeast. Can I make this dish nut-free? Yes, this dish is nut-free as it does not contain any nuts. You can enjoy it safely if you have nut allergies. This blog provided a clear guide to making a healthy orzo dish. We covered main ingredients and the step-by-step cooking process. I shared tips to enhance flavors and serve well. You learned how to store leftovers and even explore variations. Ultimately, this dish is versatile and quick to prepare. With the right methods, you can make it suit any taste or diet. Enjoy cooking, and don’t hesitate to experiment!

One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Spinach

Looking for a delicious and easy meal? Try this One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Spinach! In just 20 minutes, you can create a creamy, flavorful dish packed with orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and savory Parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is simple and requires minimal cleanup. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family with this mouth-watering meal that's sure to be a hit!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly toast the orzo.

        Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

          Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach and allow it to wilt for about 2 minutes.

            Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

              Add red pepper flakes, if using, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

                - Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the orzo in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a delightful touch.