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Classic parmesan and spinach goes so well together in this parmesan and spinach orzo! When you need an easy dinner that will satisfy all palettes, this will be the winner!
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Parmesan and spinach orzo

Literally all I have been craving is pasta.

Yes, orzo is pasta!

I love cooking with orzo. I think it’s the most under-appreciated pasta out there.

You have penne, rigatoni, elbows, fettuccine, etc., and they’re always in everyone’s pasta bowls but orzo is like the ugly step sister that always gets left out.

Classic parmesan and spinach goes so well together in this parmesan and spinach orzo! When you need an easy dinner that will satisfy all palettes, this will be the winner!

Well, I’m about to give orzo a comeback! Orzo will be the pasta of the year. Ok maybe not, but I do have quite a bit of orzo recipes on the blog that you should give some love to and give orzo a bit of spotlight in your house!

This parmesan and spinach orzo is so easy to make and I love how cheesy it is! I think you will love the simplicity of it, as well. Sometimes, the most delicious meals are the ones that require just a few ingredients!

Classic parmesan and spinach goes so well together in this parmesan and spinach orzo! When you need an easy dinner that will satisfy all palettes, this will be the winner!

Substituting other pastas in this parmesan and spinach orzo

While you are free to substitute whatever pasta you want, keep in mind that your ingredient measurements may be off.

Larger pastas (ziti, rigatoni, penne) will need more cheese and spinach.

Stick to smaller grain pastas like ditalini, elbows, etc.

Classic parmesan and spinach goes so well together in this parmesan and spinach orzo! When you need an easy dinner that will satisfy all palettes, this will be the winner!

Adding ingredients to parmesan and spinach orzo

If you want some extra protein, some cubed chicken thighs would be a great addition! Or shrimp!

If you like another type of vegetable, a tender green would be a good substitute. I can’t help but love dinosaur/lacinato kale.

Omg, adding gruyere or even blue cheese crumbles to this would be epic. You don’t have to keep it to one cheese but to make this parmesan and spinach orzo simple, I chose to make it with a combo that everyone can get behind.

Other orzo recipes

One pot creamy orzo with chicken sausage

One pot creamy poblano corn orzo

Leek and mushroom boursin orzo

Herbed shrimp orzo salad

5 from 1 vote

Parmesan and Spinach Orzo

A cheesy and quick weeknight pasta dish!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 16 ounce (454 g) orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (237 ml) of whole milk
  • 1 ½ cups (45 g) baby spinach
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
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Instructions 

  • Cook orzo according to directions on the box then drain and set aside.
  • In a large pot over medium high heat, cook garlic in olive oil until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Sprinkle flour into the pot then gently whisk in the milk. Let mixture thicken, about 1-2 minutes then add in the spinach and Parmesan cheese.
  • Add the orzo pasta to the pot, stir to coat and incorporate. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Serve hot and top with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 636kcal, Carbohydrates: 95g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 18g, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 8g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.

The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.

Classic parmesan and spinach goes so well together in this parmesan and spinach orzo! When you need an easy dinner that will satisfy all palettes, this will be the winner!

Photography by Ari Laing

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63 Comments

  1. Jackie says:

    Do you know if this dish would freeze well?

    1. Julie says:

      Hmm, I don’t believe so. I haven’t ever tried it though so I can’t be 100%

  2. JuJu says:

    I adore s recipe sounds divine. And I will make it tomorrow…..I may add mushrooms to it and toasted pine nuts…hope that is okay.

  3. Amountz says:

    Can I make this the day before serving?

    1. Julie says:

      Yes, you could. I would say that the spinach will likely not be as pretty in green color so if that bothers you, I’d reheat the pasta on the stove then put the spinach in on the day you serve.

  4. Andrea says:

    substitute for flour to make it gluten free??

    thank you

    1. Julie says:

      I believe arrowroot or cornstarch.

  5. Charlotte L'Heureux says:

    Want to try….

  6. JoJo says:

    This was absolutely delicious, fast and easy. I was thinking to add chicken to it but wasn’t sure if there would be enough sauce to coat it. Made grilled chicken on the side and dinner served. Awesome!

  7. Patti says:

    I have a ton of arugula? Think I could sub for spinach?

    1. Julie says:

      Yes, definitely!

  8. Kayra Tisdell says:

    Cooked this tonight, it was delicious! I added bacon and a left over chicken breast for my husband and son.

    1. Teresa says:

      Could you substitute broccoli for spinach?

      1. Julie Chiou says:

        sure, you may have to blanch the broccoli first otherwise it won’t have enough time to cook through

  9. Rose Anne says:

    I used half and half for the milk and used only about half the box of orzo. My husband said dinner was a “10” tonight. Absolutely delicious!