Description
A beginner-proof, one-pot creamy orzo pasta dish featuring sweet roasted garlic, fresh spinach, and parmesan cheese. It offers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium heads of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups fresh spinach (packed)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Black pepper (freshly cracked)
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top ½ inch of the garlic heads to expose cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap loosely in foil, and roast for 20-30 minutes until soft and golden. Squeeze out the cloves when cool enough to handle.
- While garlic roasts, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the roasted garlic cloves and mash slightly with a spoon. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the orzo to the skillet and stir to coat in the garlic butter. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has thickened into a sauce.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until wilted and bright green.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Add black pepper to taste and salt only if needed.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Notes
Roast the garlic until it feels like butter when squeezed. Stir the orzo frequently to prevent sticking and help release starch for a creamy sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan to avoid a grainy texture. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 620
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: orzo pasta, creamy pasta, roasted garlic, spinach pasta, one pot meal, beginner recipe, easy dinner, Italian comfort food