Easy Creamy Spinach Orzo Recipe – Rich, Cheesy, and Comforting!
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1 photo There’s something deeply comforting about dishes that come together in one pan, simmering into a creamy, cozy bowl you can settle into at the end of a long day. This creamy spinach orzo has always reminded me of the kind of meal you make when you want something effortless yet warm, something that fills the kitchen with the aroma of garlic and butter while requiring almost no thought at all. I first made a variation of this dish on a rushed evening, when everything felt a bit too busy and I needed dinner to feel like a small exhale. The orzo softened in the broth, the Parmesan melted into silk, and the spinach wilted just enough to tuck itself into every spoonful — and somehow, it made the whole day feel calmer.
The beauty of this recipe is that it adapts to whatever your kitchen gives you. A handful of spinach, a knob of butter, a splash of broth — nothing complicated, nothing fussy. And yet each time I make it, I’m reminded that some of the most comforting meals are the simplest ones. I hope this version brings that same quiet warmth to your table, whether you’re cooking just for yourself or serving a family that gathers for something cozy.
Recipe Steps for Creamy Spinach Orzo :
Step-1: Melt Butter and Oil
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil. I like using the Lodge 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet—it heats evenly and makes one-pot meals like this a breeze without sticking.
Step-2: Sauté Aromatics
Sauté 1 small onion (finely chopped) and 6 garlic cloves (finely chopped) until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (chopped), 2 tsp tomato paste, and spices: 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, ¼ tsp cayenne, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp dry parsley, and salt/pepper to taste.
Step-3: Toast Orzo
Add 1 cup uncooked orzo. Stir 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly toasted.
Step-4: Add Liquids
Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Simmer 10-12 minutes, stirring often, until orzo is nearly al dente. I mix everything with the OXO Good Grips Silicone Spoon—it scrapes the pan clean perfectly.
Step-5: Finish with Spinach and Cheese
Stir in 2 cups baby spinach and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer 2-3 more minutes until spinach wilts and sauce reaches creamy consistency.
Step-6: Rest and Serve
Turn off heat once orzo is al dente. Top with extra grated Parmesan and optional cooked protein (chicken or fish). I grate mine fresh with the Microplane Premium Classic Zester—it melts right in for silky texture. Enjoy!
Why I Chose This Recipe for This Dish Specifically
I chose this creamy spinach orzo recipe because it delivers deep comfort and satisfying flavor with very little effort, making it perfect for everyday cooking. Orzo has a naturally cozy, risotto-like texture, and when paired with a creamy sauce and tender spinach, it creates a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated. It’s the kind of meal that works just as well for a quiet weeknight dinner as it does for serving guests.
What really sets this recipe apart is its balance. The creaminess feels rich but not heavy, the spinach adds freshness and color, and every ingredient plays a clear role in building flavor. There’s no need for advanced techniques or constant stirring — everything comes together smoothly in one pan. It’s practical, forgiving, and designed for real home kitchens where comfort and simplicity matter most.
Here’s why this recipe was the perfect choice:
Simple ingredients, comforting results
Uses pantry and fridge staples without relying on hard-to-find items.
Creamy without being overwhelming
The sauce coats the orzo beautifully while still feeling light and balanced.
Beginner-friendly and stress-free
Straightforward steps with no complicated timing or techniques.
One-pan convenience
Less cleanup and easy preparation make it ideal for busy days.
Nutritious yet comforting
Spinach adds nutrients while keeping the dish cozy and satisfying.
Flexible and adaptable
Can be customized with protein, extra vegetables, or different cheeses.
Universally appealing flavor
Creamy, mild, and comforting — a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Why Consuming This Recipe Has Such Good Benefits (Bullet Points Only)
- Provides steady energy from orzo’s carbohydrates
- Spinach supplies iron, fiber, and essential vitamins
- Creamy texture promotes satiety and satisfaction
- Balanced fats help keep you full longer
- Easy to digest and gentle on the stomach
- Encourages vegetable intake in a comforting way
- Homemade preparation avoids excess sodium and preservatives
- Suitable for lunch or dinner without feeling heavy
- Can support balanced meals when paired with protein
- Comforting flavors help promote relaxed, enjoyable eating
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Easy Creamy Spinach Orzo Recipe – Rich, Cheesy, and Comforting!
This creamy spinach orzo blends tender orzo, melted Parmesan, aromatic garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes into a luxurious one-pan dish. Perfect for quick dinners.
Creamy Spinach Orzo Ingredients
Cooking Instructions
- Melt butter and oil in a skillet.
- Sauté onion and garlic, then add sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices.
- Stir in uncooked orzo until fragrant.
- Add broth and cream, then stir in spinach and Parmesan.
- Simmer until creamy and orzo is al dente.
- Turn off heat, add more Parmesan, and serve with optional protein.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 520kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Saturated Fat 14g70%
- Cholesterol 65mg22%
- Sodium 620mg26%
- Potassium 410mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 48g16%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 16g32%
- Vitamin A 285 mcg
- Vitamin C 7 mg
- Calcium 210 mg
- Iron 2.4 mg
- Vitamin D 1 mcg
- Vitamin E 1.9 mg
- Vitamin K 72 mcg
- Thiamin 0.18 mg
- Riboflavin 0.22 mg
- Niacin 2.1 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.17 mg
- Folate 58 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.4 mcg
- Biotin 4 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.6 mg
- Phosphorus 240 mg
- Iodine 18 mcg
- Magnesium 32 mg
- Zinc 1.4 mg
- Selenium 16 mcg
- Copper 0.11 mg
- Manganese 0.39 mg
- Chromium 2 mcg
- Molybdenum 5 mcg
- Chloride 350 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
Substitutions: Use half-and-half instead of cream, vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, or swap spinach with kale.
Serving ideas: Serve with grilled chicken, salmon, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.
Mistakes to avoid: Don’t overcook the orzo—remove from heat when al dente. Avoid too much heat after adding cream to prevent curdling.
Chef tips: Adding Parmesan at the end helps maintain creaminess. Stir often to prevent sticking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I make this vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth and skip meat additions.
Q. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and squeeze excess water before adding.
Q. Can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half or evaporated milk.
Q. Can I add protein?
Yes, cooked chicken, shrimp, or salmon work well.
