Spinach Orzo Pasta with Parmesan
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This creamy Spinach Orzo is a tasty side dish using orzo pasta, garlic, onion, spinach and parmesan. Quick, easy, and on the table in 10 minutes, this satisfies the whole family!
This quick and tasty pasta side pairs with any main dish thanks to a simple olive oil-based white sauce studded with garlic, spinach, and cheese. It’s mild enough for picky eaters yet flavorful enough that guests always ask for the recipe. Ready in minutes, it’s a fun break from your usual potatoes or rice rotation.
Try Pasta Florentine, Penne alla Vodka, or Boursin Pasta, too!
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below. Jump to the recipe card if you wish!
What is orzo? Is it pasta or rice? Is it the same as Risotto?
Okay, so orzo is definitely pasta, not rice. It’s tiny and is similar in size to rice. In some countries, orzo is called “rissoni” so I can see how people would be confused.
If you wanted this recipe to be “healthier” you could opt for whole wheat orzo instead.
I’m glad we had this talk.
I’m a big fan of orzo recipes. If you are too, you’ll love this Tuscan Chicken Orzo recipe, as well as this Caprese Orzo Salad. SO GOOD! Craving more orzo? For a lighter side, my Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad serves up tender orzo tossed with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta in a zesty dressing.
Why you’ll love this
- Super quick and easy. It takes just 10 minutes to cook.
- Small ingredient list. Nothing fancy, just good food.
- It’s the perfect side dish for dinner tonight!
Serve this recipe on the side of some oven fried chicken, baked fish or even steak!
Step-by-step photos and tips and tricks are below. Jump to the full recipe card instead
Key Recipe Ingredients
Note: This highlights some ingredients. Full list is in the recipe card.
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How to make this recipe
This is a step-by-step photo guide. Full ingredients and instructions are in the printable recipe card below.
JumpCook the orzo. Add orzo to a large pot of salted, boiling water.
Make the sauce. While the orzo cooks, heat olive oil in a saucepan and then add garlic, cook until fragrant (but don’t burn!). While the orzo cooks, heat olive oil in a saucepan and then add garlic, cook until fragrant (but don’t burn!). Sprinkle the flour into the pot and mix well. Whisk in the milk, and continue to cook over low heat until thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Combine. Once the orzo is cooked, drain and add to the sauce. Add the spinach and parmesan cheese, and fold in gently.
Test for seasoning, and serve.
Kylee’s Notes
Fresh baby spinach is better for this particular dish. You CAN use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach, if you really must.
If your sauce gets a little too thick, a little chicken broth will help sort it out.
A little lemon zest grated over the top will brighten this dish if you like!
Add more garlic. Add bacon. Add all the things.
What to do with leftovers
Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat to piping hot.
More recipes to love
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto. Risotto in 17-25 minutes.
- Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Enough said.
- Twice Baked Potatoes. A drool-worthy side dish, these Twice Baked Potatoes are SO good! Make a lot and freeze some for another day.
- Mashed Potatoes. This easy mashed potato recipe will make your side dish dreams come true!
- ALL SIDES
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Spinach Orzo Pasta with Parmesan
Ingredients
- 8 ounces orzo
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Add 8 ounces orzo to a pot of salted, boiling water.
- While orzo cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan and then cook 2 cloves minced garlic til fragrant (but don't burn!).
- Sprinkle the 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour into the pot and combine.
- Whisk in the 1/2 cup milk, and continue to cook over low heat until thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the orzo is cooked, drain and add to the sauce.
- Add the 1 1/2 cup baby spinach and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, and fold in gently.
- Test for seasoning, and serve.
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We’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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Make sure to follow @kyleecooks on Instagram for more and tag me #kyleecooks so I can see!Update: This recipe was originally published in September of 2014. It was republished with updated photos in April of 2021.
About Kylee Ayotte
I am a born and raised New Zealander (a Kiwi), now living in Phoenix, Arizona. I’m happily married to the love of my life – a hot American boy I met while traveling the world. I’m a mama to 2 awesome little boys and love red things, rugby, cheesecake, and bacon. Mmmmm. Bacon. Meet Kylee
