Go Back
–+ servings
Creamy spinach orzo pasta dish topped with grated Parmesan cheese, a perfect addition to veggie sides recipes.

Parmesan and Spinach Orzo

This recipe creates a creamy and cheesy orzo side dish featuring spinach. It is simple to prepare and works well as a vegetable accompaniment to family meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1.5 cups baby spinach roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • To taste Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large Cast Iron Skillet

Method
 

  1. Cook the orzo pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain the pasta well.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion. Cook, stirring often, until the onions become translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Whisk in the flour and cook until it is lightly browned, about 1 minute.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  5. Stir in the spinach until it wilts, about 3 minutes.
  6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts, about 1 minute.
  7. Stir in the cooked orzo. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
  8. Serve the orzo immediately.

Notes

This simple side dish pairs well with grilled meats, such as pork chops, or can be served as a light main course.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!