Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Orzo

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This Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Orzo is a simple yet elegant dish bursting with flavor. Tender orzo is tossed with garlicky sautéed spinach and finished with a bright touch of lemon and optional Parmesan. It’s light, fresh, and comforting all at once perfect as a side dish or a quick vegetarian main course.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 ounces fresh spinach
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions (about 8–10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden do not let it burn.
  3. Add fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring until wilted and tender.
  4. Stir in the cooked orzo. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Mix until everything is well combined.
  5. Optional: Top with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Serve warm.

Variation

  1. Add protein – Stir in cooked, diced chicken or sautéed shrimp to turn this side dish into a satisfying meal.
  2. Use kale or arugula – Swap the spinach with chopped kale or arugula for a more peppery or hearty twist.
  3. Lemon zest upgrade – Add a bit of lemon zest along with the juice for a brighter, citrusy punch.

Cooking Notes

  1. Cook the orzo just until al dente overcooked orzo can turn mushy when mixed with the spinach.
  2. Sauté garlic gently over medium heat to avoid burning and bitterness.
  3. If using Parmesan, add it off the heat to keep the texture creamy rather than clumpy.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve alongside grilled salmon, chicken, or steak for a flavorful side.
  2. Enjoy it as a warm lunch bowl topped with a soft-boiled egg.
  3. Pair with crusty bread and a light soup for a cozy vegetarian dinner.

Tips

  • For extra flavor, cook the orzo in vegetable broth instead of water.
  • A drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving enhances richness.
  • To save time, you can use pre-washed baby spinach straight from the bag no chopping needed!

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Protein: 9g
  • Sodium: 180mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

  2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
    Absolutely. Thaw and squeeze out the moisture before sautéing to avoid excess water in the dish.

  3. Is there a gluten-free option?
    Yes! Simply substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or a gluten-free grain like quinoa or rice.

  4. What type of Parmesan works best?
    Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor and texture. Avoid pre-shredded versions with anti-caking agents if possible.

Conclusion

This Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Orzo is a flavorful and wholesome dish that’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Whether you serve it as a comforting side or a light main course, it’s sure to impress with its bright lemony notes, garlicky aroma, and tender greens. Give it a try your table will thank you! 🍋✨

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Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Orzo

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Orzo is a simple yet elegant dish bursting with flavor. Tender orzo is tossed with garlicky sautéed spinach and finished with a bright touch of lemon and optional Parmesan. It’s light, fresh, and comforting all at once perfect as a side dish or a quick vegetarian main course.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 ounces fresh spinach
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions (about 8–10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden—do not let it burn.
  3. Add fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring until wilted and tender.
  4. Stir in the cooked orzo. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Mix until everything is well combined.
  5. Optional: Top with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Add cooked chickpeas or white beans for added protein.
  • Use baby spinach for quicker wilting and a milder taste.
  • Leftovers can be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish or Light Main
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 3mg

Keywords: spinach orzo, garlic spinach, sautéed spinach pasta

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