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Creamy One-Pot Lemon Orzo with Spinach and Parmesan

creamy one-pot lemon orzo - featured image
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A bright, creamy, and easy one-pot lemon orzo dish with fresh spinach and parmesan cheese, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or light lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (about 170g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth (720ml), low-sodium preferred
  • Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed (about 120g)
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (about 50g)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large deep skillet.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add 1 cup orzo pasta and stir to coat in oil and garlic. Toast for 2-3 minutes until nutty and slightly translucent at edges.
  4. Pour in 3 cups broth and lemon juice. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover with lid, and simmer for 9-11 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes to prevent sticking, until orzo is tender but slightly firm and most liquid is absorbed.
  6. Remove lid and add 4 cups fresh spinach. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts.
  7. Stir in lemon zest and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese until cheese melts and orzo is creamy. Add splash of broth or water if needed to loosen sauce.
  8. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not skip toasting the orzo for a nuttier flavor. Stir gently and regularly during simmering to prevent sticking and to release starch for creaminess. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best brightness. Add spinach at the end to keep it tender and vibrant. For dairy-free, substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or rice-shaped pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon orzo, one-pot meal, spinach, parmesan, easy dinner, quick lunch, creamy pasta, vegetarian

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/creamy-one-pot-lemon-orzo-with-spinach-and-parmesan-easy-recipe/