Orzo with Spinach and Red Pepper
Bring vibrant flavors to your dinner table with this quick and easy recipe for Orzo with Spinach and Red Pepper. This wholesome one-pan dish combines tender orzo pasta with sautéed garlic, sweet red bell peppers, and nutrient-rich spinach for a medley of fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Finished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a refreshing hint of lemon zest, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and healthy. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a versatile vegetarian main or side dish that you can pair with grilled proteins or enjoy on its own. Perfect for busy weeknights, this colorful and flavorful pasta recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add a pinch of salt and the orzo pasta. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions (typically around 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
While the orzo cooks, finely dice the red bell pepper, mince the garlic cloves, and wash and pat dry the spinach.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the diced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens slightly.
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season the mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Once the orzo is cooked, drain it and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Transfer the cooked orzo to the skillet with the spinach and red pepper mixture. Stir well to combine. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Turn off the heat and stir in 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve warm, optionally garnished with additional parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1144 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.3 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.9 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 22 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 1466 mg | 64% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 165.2 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.9 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.9 g | ||
| Protein | 37.7 g | 75% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 456 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 11.9 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 300 mg | 6% | |
*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.
