Description
1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk or vegetable broth
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions
Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add chopped spinach, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until spinach is wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in ricotta, Parmesan, and milk (or broth), mixing until creamy.
Add cooked orzo to the skillet and toss to combine. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice for brightness.
Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cooking Time: 10 minutes, Total Time: 20 minutes, Kcal: 320 per serving, Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect creamy spinach orzo every time.
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Aromatics: While the orzo cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2–3 minutes until the spinach is fully wilted and any excess liquid has evaporated.
- Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the ricotta, Parmesan, and milk or broth to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Add the drained orzo to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with several options. For a light meal, serve it alongside a crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. To make it heartier, top with grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or flaked salmon. For a vegetarian protein boost, add a can of drained white beans or chickpeas when combining the orzo and sauce. Garnish with extra Parmesan, a crack of black pepper, and a final drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
How-to Summary
In summary, this 20-minute meal involves cooking orzo, wilting spinach with garlic, creating a creamy lemon-ricotta sauce in the same pan, and combining everything for a bright, comforting pasta dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta? Yes, small pastas like ditalini, small shells, or even fregola sarda will work. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Can I make this dish dairy-free? Absolutely. Substitute the ricotta and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives like cashew ricotta and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of milk.
Is frozen spinach okay to use? Yes. Use one 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry to remove all excess water.
Can I add other vegetables? Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas would be excellent additions. Add them with the spinach.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Orzo: Cook only until al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- Not Reserving Pasta Water: The starchy water is crucial for adjusting the sauce consistency at the end.
- Burning the Garlic: Sauté garlic just until fragrant. Burnt garlic will make the dish bitter.
- Adding Lemon Too Early: Stir in the lemon zest and juice at the very end, off the heat, to preserve their bright, fresh flavor.
Conclusion
This creamy spinach orzo is the perfect quick, satisfying, and flavorful weeknight dinner. With its simple ingredients, flexible nature, and vibrant lemon finish, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in just 20 minutes.
