Easy Creamy Spring Orzo with Spinach, Lemon, and Feta
A quick, comforting, and fresh creamy orzo dish featuring spinach, lemon zest and juice, and salty feta cheese. Perfect for a light dinner or side dish that comes together in about 25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 cup (170 grams) dry orzo pasta
- 4 cups loosely packed fresh spinach (about 120 grams), washed and roughly chopped
- ½ cup (75 grams) crumbled feta cheese
- 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced
- 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional fresh herbs like dill or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups (950 ml) of salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup (170 grams) orzo and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain in a fine mesh strainer and set aside.
- While the orzo cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In the same skillet (off heat), add 4 ounces (115 grams) softened cream cheese and ½ cup (120 ml) milk. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Add a splash more milk if too thick.
- Add the drained orzo to the skillet, folding it gently into the creamy spinach mixture. Warm over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and creamy.
- Stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon, plus ½ cup (75 grams) crumbled feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
Do not overcook the orzo to avoid mushiness. Wilt spinach quickly to keep it bright green and tender. Soften cream cheese well before mixing for smooth sauce. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best flavor. Season cautiously as feta is salty. Microwave cream cheese for 10-15 seconds if not soft enough. For extra creaminess, add grated Parmesan or substitute half the cream cheese with ricotta. Protein like cooked chicken or shrimp can be added at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: orzo, creamy orzo, spinach, lemon, feta, quick dinner, easy recipe, spring recipe, vegetarian