Creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Spinach Recipe
This creamy orzo recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in savory broth with garlic, shallots, spinach, and finished with rich heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and easy meal that is perfect for weeknights, delivering a luscious texture and subtle lemony brightness that elevates the dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Add-ins
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning & Garnish
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes, basil, and extra Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and minced shallot. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the shallots are softened and fragrant.
- Toast Orzo: Stir in the minced garlic and lemon zest, then add the uncooked orzo. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until some pieces are slightly toasted and golden brown, enhancing their nutty flavor.
- Simmer in Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Spinach and Cream: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts and the orzo becomes creamy. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with crushed red pepper flakes, fresh basil, and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation. Serve the creamy orzo warm, with lemon wedges on the side if a bright citrus kick is desired.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth for more richness.
- To make it lighter, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower fat dairy alternative.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pot.
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or squeeze fresh lemon juice just before serving.
- This dish can be served as a main course or a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
