Orzo with Spinach and Asiago Cheese
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistibly creamy Orzo with Spinach and Asiago Cheese. This quick and easy recipe combines tender orzo pasta with sautéed garlic and spinach, all simmered in flavorful vegetable broth for a rich base. Melted Asiago cheese and a touch of heavy cream create a luscious, velvety sauce, while a hint of zesty lemon brightens every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy evenings yet sophisticated enough for entertaining. Serve it as a hearty side dish or a comforting vegetarian main course, garnished with extra cheese for an added touch of indulgence.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 4 cups Fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 cup Asiago cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
Instructions
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo until just al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach has wilted.
Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cooked orzo and allow it to absorb some of the broth, about 2 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in the grated Asiago cheese and heavy cream. Mix until the cheese is melted and the mixture becomes creamy.
Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Asiago cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
443 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 21.6 g | 28% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.1 g | 46% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 37 mg | 12% | |
| Sodium | 879 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48.4 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 16.6 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 267 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 637 mg | 14% | |
*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.
