Orzo Spinach Stuffing
Transform your holiday table or weeknight dinner with this vibrant and flavorful Orzo Spinach Stuffing, a unique twist on traditional stuffing recipes. Packed with tender orzo pasta, sautéed aromatic onions and garlic, and nutrient-rich baby spinach, this dish is elevated with a savory broth and a touch of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, irresistible finish. Seasoned with dried thyme, a hint of butter, and fresh parsley garnish, it offers a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy side dish is versatile enough to complement roasted meats or stand alone as a vegetarian favorite. Perfect for meal prep, entertaining, or creating a festive centerpiece, this recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your repertoire. Keywords: Orzo Spinach Stuffing, easy holiday side dish, vegetarian stuffing recipe, pasta stuffing, spinach side dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 5 cups Baby spinach
- 1.5 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoons Dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions (about 7-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Gradually add the baby spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the cooked orzo, grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly combined.
Cook the mixture over low heat for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the stuffing reaches a cohesive consistency.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Transfer the orzo spinach stuffing to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm as a side dish or use it as a stuffing for poultry.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1451 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 68.5 g | 88% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.5 g | 132% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 102 mg | 34% | |
| Sodium | 3279 mg | 143% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 171.4 g | 62% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.0 g | 61% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.2 g | ||
| Protein | 49.1 g | 98% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 703 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 13.8 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 345 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
