Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo

Name: Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: Red pepper flakes for spice

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo for gatherings or just a cozy night at home. This recipe combines creamy textures with the nutty flavor of Parmesan and the freshness of spinach. It’s quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Whether served as a main dish or a hearty side, I guarantee it will leave everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing!

Created by

Brielle Thompson

Last updated on 2026-01-16T01:22:09.517Z

When I first tried making orzo, I was surprised by how creamy and comforting it turned out. The key is to stir in the Parmesan slowly to create an incredibly velvety texture. Pairing it with fresh spinach not only elevates the flavor but adds a lovely color that makes the dish pop.

One of my favorite tips is to use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the orzo for extra flavor. This seemingly simple change can take the final dish to a whole new level, enhancing every bite with its richness.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, creamy mouthfeel with a hint of nutty Parmesan
Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition
Quick and easy to make for any occasion
Comforting flavor that pairs well with various proteins

      

The Role of Orzo in This Dish

Orzo is the star of this Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo, offering a unique texture that differs from traditional pasta. Its small, rice-like shape allows it to absorb flavors from the broth and seasonings beautifully. Cooking it in vegetable broth instead of water adds depth to the flavor profile, making each bite rich and satisfying. Boil the orzo until it's al dente—a crucial step to ensure it maintains a slight firmness when combined with creamy ingredients.

This recipe uses one cup of orzo, which yields about four servings. If you're cooking for a larger group, consider doubling the recipe while maintaining the same cooking times for the orzo and adjusting the sautéing times as needed. Just remember to use a larger pot to prevent overflow when cooking the orzo.

Enhancing Flavor with Spinach and Garlic

The combination of garlic and fresh spinach adds not only nutritional benefits but also a wonderful flavor dynamic to the dish. When sautéing garlic, aim for just a minute or so until it's fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can impart bitterness. Introduce the spinach afterwards and keep an eye on it; it will wilt significantly within two minutes, so be prepared to combine it with your orzo shortly after that to maintain its vibrant green color.

If you're craving a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese when mixing in the Parmesan. This enhances the consistency, making it even richer, which pairs beautifully with the sharpness of the Parmesan.

Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to customize this dish based on what you have on hand or prefer. For example, you can substitute the spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard; just cook them a little longer until tender. Additionally, if you're looking to sneak in more nutrition, you could add peas or even sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of flavor and color.

Serve this creamy orzo as a side with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a vegetarian protein like chickpeas. It also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad on the side. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to bring back its creamy texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to start cooking:

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Red pepper flakes for spice

Make sure to prep your ingredients before starting for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your dish:

Cook the Orzo

In a medium pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Sauté Garlic and Spinach

In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Then, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about another 2 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Once the orzo is cooked, drain any excess broth. Add the orzo to the skillet with spinach and garlic. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Serve

Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan and a sprinkle of pepper if desired. Enjoy your meal!

Don't forget to enjoy this creamy delight!

Pro Tips

For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp. This dish also reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you notice the orzo is too sticky, it's likely because it was overcooked or not stirred sufficiently during cooking. Be sure to monitor the cooking time closely and stir occasionally to keep it from clumping together. If using whole wheat orzo, it may require a couple of extra minutes, so adjust your time accordingly while checking for doneness.

Should the dish come out too dry, this can occur if the orzo absorbed too much broth—try adding a little vegetable broth or water gradually while stirring until you achieve your desired creaminess. This method helps maintain the orzo's texture while restoring moisture.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent option for meal prep. To do this, cook the orzo and sauté the spinach and garlic as instructed. Let them cool and then mix them together without the Parmesan. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and when you're ready to serve, simply reheat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.

For longer storage, consider freezing the orzo before adding the cheese, which can be done for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then heat gently on the stove, adding the Parmesan just before serving for optimal creaminess.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for dairy-free alternatives, you can use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to provide a similar nutty flavor while keeping it vegan. For the orzo itself, grain-free options like cauliflower rice or quinoa can be used. Just keep in mind that cooking times will differ; quinoa generally takes about 15 minutes to cook, so adjust accordingly.

For added protein, feel free to include cooked chicken or turkey. Simply chop it into small pieces and stir it in with the orzo and spinach mixture. This not only makes the dish heartier but also adds an extra layer of flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat orzo instead of regular?

Yes, whole wheat orzo can be used for a healthier option, though cooking times may vary slightly.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative to make it vegan-friendly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.