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Creamy Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Spinach: 20-Minute One-Pan Meal

creamy lemon parmesan orzo with spinach - featured image
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A quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring creamy orzo pasta with bright lemon, salty Parmesan, and tender spinach. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups (720ml) vegetable or chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 cups (90g) packed fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first: mince garlic, zest and juice lemon, grate Parmesan, and wash spinach.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter melts and foams slightly.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  4. Add dry orzo and stir for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and nutty.
  5. Pour in broth, stir to scrape up any bits, and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat (2-3 minutes).
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  7. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest.
  8. Add spinach in handfuls, stirring gently until wilted (1-2 minutes).
  9. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and creamy. Add a splash of warm broth or water if too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and parsley if desired.

Notes

Don’t rinse the orzo; the starch helps create the creamy sauce. Grate your own Parmesan for best melting. If doubling the recipe, use a larger pan or cook in two batches. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy lemon parmesan orzo, one-pan meal, 20-minute dinner, vegetarian pasta, quick weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/creamy-lemon-parmesan-orzo-with-spinach-20-minute-one-pan-meal/