Description
Creamy ricotta spinach orzo brings Mediterranean comfort straight to dinner tables with minimal cleanup. Cheesy, herbaceous goodness combines perfectly in this simple Italian-inspired pasta dish that welcomes you to savor each comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup milk or heavy cream
Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Drizzle olive oil or melt butter in a spacious skillet, positioning the pan over medium heat to create an even, warm cooking surface.
- Introduce minced garlic to the heated pan, gently stirring and allowing the aromatic cloves to release their intense fragrance for approximately 30 seconds.
- Carefully sprinkle orzo into the pan, stirring continuously to ensure each grain becomes lightly toasted and coated with the garlic-infused oil.
- Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet, creating a simmering liquid environment that will gently cook the orzo to a perfect al dente texture.
- Cover the pan and reduce heat, allowing the orzo to absorb the liquid and become tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
- Once the orzo reaches a soft, creamy consistency and has absorbed most of the broth, introduce fresh spinach leaves, folding them gently into the mixture.
- Remove the skillet from heat and incorporate ricotta cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and creates a luxurious, smooth coating over the orzo and spinach.
- Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Optionally, garnish with grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add a final touch of brightness and complexity.
Notes
- Toast orzo lightly in oil before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
- Use fresh spinach for a vibrant green color and crisp texture, adding it at the end to maintain its bright appearance and prevent overcooking.
- Choose full-fat ricotta for a creamier, richer consistency that melts smoothly into the orzo, creating a luxurious sauce.
- Consider swapping spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different nutrient profile and slightly earthier taste if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg