Creamy Orzo with Spinach and Feta Cheese is a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for a light dinner or side. With tender orzo pasta, wilted spinach, tangy feta, and a hint of citrus from lemon zest and juice, it’s a vibrant, wholesome meal that comes together in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until wilted. Stir in red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir the cooked orzo into the skillet with the spinach mixture. Add crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for 2-3 more minutes, stirring gently until heated through and well combined.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Variation
- Add sun-dried tomatoes
For a burst of tangy sweetness, stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes when adding the feta. They complement the creamy texture of the orzo and add depth of flavor to the dish. - Incorporate fresh herbs
You can swap or enhance the parsley garnish with fresh basil, dill, or oregano. These herbs bring a refreshing aroma and elevate the Mediterranean vibe of the dish. - Make it a one-pot meal
Instead of cooking the orzo separately, cook it directly in the skillet with vegetable broth. This method infuses more flavor into the orzo and reduces cleanup time.
Cooking Notes:
- For a creamier texture, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half when adding the cheeses.
- Add a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- To enhance the citrus flavor, sprinkle extra lemon zest on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread
A warm slice of crusty bread pairs beautifully with the creamy orzo. It’s perfect for scooping up every last bit of the sauce and spinach. - Pair with grilled protein
For a complete meal, serve this orzo alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp. The flavors of the grilled protein blend well with the tangy feta and fresh spinach. - Add a side salad
A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette adds freshness and balance to the rich orzo. Consider a mix of arugula, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes for a vibrant side.
Tips
- Use high-quality feta cheese
Feta is a key ingredient in this recipe, so using high-quality feta cheese makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Opt for block feta packed in brine for the best texture and taste. - Don’t skip the lemon zest
Lemon zest adds a bright, fragrant citrus note that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Be sure to zest the lemon before juicing to make it easier. - Keep the red pepper flakes optional
If you’re serving this to people with different spice preferences, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes on individual servings rather than mixing them into the whole dish.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use whole wheat orzo instead of regular orzo?
Yes, whole wheat orzo is a great option for adding more fiber and nutrients to the dish. Just note that it may take a few extra minutes to cook, so check the package instructions for the correct timing. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover spinach and feta orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. - Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the feta cheese with a vegan feta alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. You can also increase the amount of lemon juice for added brightness. - Is there a gluten-free substitute for orzo?
Yes, gluten-free orzo is available in most grocery stores. Alternatively, you can use a small gluten-free pasta shape, like rice-shaped pasta or even quinoa, to achieve a similar texture.
Conclusion:
Spinach and Feta Orzo is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful side. Its creamy texture, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon make it a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian main course or something to pair with your favorite protein, this orzo dish delivers on all fronts. Why not give it a try tonight and add a little Mediterranean flair to your table?
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Spinach and Feta Orzo
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Orzo with Spinach and Feta Cheese is a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for a light dinner or side. With tender orzo pasta, wilted spinach, tangy feta, and a hint of citrus from lemon zest and juice, it’s a vibrant, wholesome meal that comes together in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until wilted. Stir in red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir the cooked orzo into the skillet with the spinach mixture. Add crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for 2-3 more minutes, stirring gently until heated through and well combined.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half when adding the cheeses.
- Add a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- To enhance the citrus flavor, sprinkle extra lemon zest on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: spinach and feta orzo, creamy orzo, easy orzo recipe, Mediterranean pasta