Creamy Orzo with Spinach and Parmesan

Name: Creamy Orzo with Spinach and Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italy
Ingredients: 300 g of orzo; 150 g of spinach (fresh); 20 cl of heavy cream; 50 g of parmesan; 70 cl of vegetable broth (hot); 1 yellow onion; 1 garlic cloves; 1 tbsp of olive oil; 1 pinch of salt; 1 pinch of pepper; 1 pinch of nutmeg

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Italian dish made with orzo (rice-shaped pasta) cooked risotto-style 🍝. The pasta simmers in broth, then is finished with cream and Parmesan before fresh spinach is stirred in 🌿. A quick recipe (under 30 min), ideal for a simple, budget-friendly vegetarian meal.

Total time: 25 min
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 15 min
Difficulty: Easy
Per person: €1.50

By the CookinBreak team

Goes well with

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For dessert

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To drink

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Nutrition facts

per serving · estimate

480kcal

Protein15 g13%
Carbs58 g49%
Fat20 g38%
Fiber4 g

Share of each nutrient in the calories of one serving.

Good to know

Chef's tip

For an even creamier texture without adding cream, scoop out 2 tbsp of cooked orzo with a little broth and blend them quickly, then stir this mixture back into the skillet. It thickens the dish naturally while keeping the texture smooth.

Freezing : Can you freeze this recipe?

Not recommended

Not recommended; the texture of the orzo and creamy sauce breaks down when thawed.

Storage : How long does it keep?

Keeps 3 to 4 days max in an airtight container in the fridge.

Making ahead : Can you make it the day before?

Yes

Prepare entirely the day before and keep in the fridge. Reheat gently.

Reheating : How do you reheat it?

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave is possible, stir regularly.

Variations

Add a pinch of nutmeg to lift the cream.
Adjust the texture with a little hot broth.
Serve with extra Parmesan on top.

Mistakes to avoid

Pouring in all the broth at once: add it gradually, ladle by ladle.
Overcooking the orzo: it should stay slightly firm in the center.
Using cold broth: use it hot.

Frequently asked questions

How do you cook orzo risotto-style?

Sauté the onion, coat the orzo in fat for 1 minute, then add hot broth ladle by ladle for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring regularly, until tender.

When should you add the spinach?

Add the fresh spinach once the orzo is almost cooked and the liquid is almost absorbed, then stir for 2 to 3 minutes until it wilts and reduces in volume into the pasta.

How do you get a creamy texture?

Pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan at the end of cooking, then stir until smooth and velvety. Adjust with a little hot broth if the mixture seems too thick.

What is orzo?

Orzo is an Italian pasta shaped like a grain of rice. Cooked slowly in broth, like a risotto, it releases its starch and makes a tender dish that is still slightly firm in the center.