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!

Step by step photos and instructions below!

This pasta dish is awesome as a side, and goes perfectly with whatever you are making. Super quick to make and so delicious!

I love this side dish because is is mild enough in flavor that it goes with all kinds of main dishes. This is one of those dishes that always gets requested, and anytime I make it for company I am asked for the recipe. I think that qualifies it is a winner, right?

I love that it breaks up the “usual” rotation of starchy sides (I love potatoes and rice but need a change!) and looks good too.

It’s very easy to make. Simply cook your pasta, and while that’s going, make a white sauce using olive oil instead of butter, and adding garlic.

Garlic, to me, is like bacon. There are very few dishes that cannot be improved by adding it! Maybe we should add bacon to this too?

Add in the spinach and cheese, and you might even convince your kids to eat it too.

Serve this recipe on the side of some oven fried chicken, baked fish or even steak!

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!

Why this recipe works

• 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!

I have included step by step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the recipe card located at the bottom of the post.

How to make this recipe

Cook 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.

More delicious sides:

• 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

If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on Kylee Cooks, leave a comment and rating – I truly love to hear from you!
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Update: This recipe was originally published in September of 2014. It was republished with updated photos in April of 2021.