Parmesan and Spinach Orzo

Parmesan and spinach orzo is a very flavorful and creamy side dish similar to risotto but made with orzo; serve alongside your favorite protein.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 331 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 onions, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups milk, warmed
• 2 cups orzo pasta
• 4 cups roughly chopped spinach

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir onions and garlic until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Stir flour into onion mixture and cook until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 3

Gradually pour milk into onion mixture while constantly beating with a whisk until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Add spinach to sauce and cook until spinach is slightly wilted, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Mix Parmesan cheese into spinach sauce; cook and stir until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Fold orzo into spinach sauce and season with salt and pepper.