Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo

Name: Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I just love how comforting and flavorful this Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo is. It combines tender orzo pasta with a rich, creamy sauce and loads of fresh spinach, creating a delightful dish that's perfect for any occasion. The addition of Parmesan not only brings a lovely nuttiness but also deepens the overall flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to showcase your cooking skills without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to make it again and again!

Created by

Quinn Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-16T00:28:15.026Z

When I first made this Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo, I was amazed at how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. The creamy sauce, combined with the sweet, sautéed spinach, creates an experience that feels indulgent yet healthy. To achieve the perfect creaminess, I used a mixture of cream and a bit of pasta water, and it worked wonders!

One tip I discovered is to add the spinach at the very end. This keeps its vibrant color and nutrients intact while giving the dish a fresh, lively taste. I promise that every bite is packed with flavor and warmth, making it ideal for cozy dinners or even meal prep for the week ahead.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, creamy texture that comforts the soul
Nutty Parmesan that elevates every bite
Quick to make, perfect for busy nights

      

Perfecting the Orzo

Cooking orzo correctly is crucial for the dish’s texture. You want to aim for al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. Typically, this takes about 8-10 minutes in boiling salted water. Keep an eye on it, as overcooked orzo can become mushy and lose its appealing pasta texture. Remember to save a bit of the starchy cooking water, which will be handy for adjusting the sauce's consistency later.

Draining the orzo thoroughly is important to ensure your creamy sauce clings to the pasta effectively. A colander works well, but try to avoid rinsing the pasta. Rinsing can wash away the starch that helps the sauce adhere better to the orzo. Make sure the pasta dries off slightly in the colander before combining it with the creamy spinach mixture for the best results.

Crafting the Creamy Sauce

The heavy cream is the star of this recipe, providing the rich and luxurious texture that elevates the orzo. When adding the cream to the sautéed garlic and spinach, keep the heat gentle. A simmer—not a boil—is ideal; this prevents the cream from curdling. You want the cream to become glossy and slightly thickened, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Stir continuously to integrate all flavors for a harmonious finish.

Parmesan cheese adds a delightful nuttiness to the dish, but it also acts as a thickening agent. I recommend using freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated varieties, as the latter often contain anti-caking agents that can affect meltability. When adding the cheese, do so gradually while stirring. If you find the sauce is too thick after incorporating the cheese, that's where your reserved pasta water comes into play—slowly add it until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Creamy Spinach Parmesan Orzo:

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your dish:

Cook the Orzo

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked orzo to the creamy spinach mixture. Toss everything together and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve hot and enjoy!

Consider pairing this dish with a side salad for a complete meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can mix in crispy bacon or grilled chicken. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also brighten the dish.

Flavor Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile—feel free to swap in different greens. Arugula or kale can work as substitutes for spinach, providing their own unique flavor profiles. Just remember that tougher greens may need a bit more cooking time to soften. For added flavor, consider incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts when sautéing the spinach, giving the dish an extra layer of depth.

If you'd like to add a protein element, shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked shrimp can be mixed in just before serving. This not only enhances the dish's heartiness but makes it suitable as a standalone meal. Simply fold in when you combine the orzo and sauce, allowing them to heat through briefly.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're looking to prepare this dish in advance, you can cook the orzo and sauté the spinach and garlic the day before. Store the cooked orzo in an airtight container and refrigerate the sautéed mixture separately. When you're ready to serve, simply combine them in a pot, add the cream and Parmesan, and heat gently until warmed through to maintain that creamy consistency.

For leftovers, store any unconsumed orzo in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to help restore creaminess. Be cautious not to overheat it, as this can lead to a separation of the cream. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy this delicious dish multiple times!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use a plant-based cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

→ What can I serve with this orzo?

It pairs wonderfully with a light salad or roasted vegetables.

→ Can I refrigerate leftovers?

Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ How can I reheat this dish?

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen it up.