Lemon and Spinach Orzo

Although “orzo” in Italy is actually barley, Lemon and Spinach Orzo is a pasta dish that resembles risotto. It is quicker and less labor intensive than risotto.  The texture of this dish is creamy like a risotto but it comes together easily.

The best part is that you don’t have to stand over the stove, stirring constantly, and slowly adding the hot liquid to get the creamy delicious texture of risotto. The Lemon and Spinach Orzo complimented the Sea Trout Piccata perfectly.

Lemon and Spinach Orzo Recipe

Lemon and Spinach Orzo

An easy way to make a quick risotto. The orzo pasta makes this dish super creamy and the spinach and seasonings make it a great side for any meal. 

5 from 1 vote

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Course: pasta dish - side

Cuisine: Italian and American

Keyword: faux risotto, quick side

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 171kcal

Author: Marisa Franca at All Our Way

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup diced onion
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth hot
• 1 cup water hot
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 2 Tbsp. minced lemon zest
• 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 tsp. each sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions

• sauté onion in olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat until softened, 3-5 minutes, Add garlic; cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
• Add orzo and stir to coat with oil; cook 1-2 minutes. Stir in broth and water, stirring often until liquid is absorbed and orzo is cooked, 9-10 minutes.
• Off heat, stir in spinach, zest, butter, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until spinach wilts.

Nutrition

Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 519mg | Potassium: 267mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 44% | Vitamin C: 23.3% | Calcium: 4.9% | Iron: 8.4%

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