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Amazing 5-Ingredient Creamy Lemon Spinach Orzo Fix

Creamy Lemon Spinach Orzo

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Make this Creamy Lemon Spinach Orzo for a bright, comforting side dish ready to pair perfectly with your favorite chicken, seafood, or salmon. We fixed the confusing recipes out there to bring you a foolproof version.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the orzo and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is almost tender.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well.
  6. Add the spinach in batches, stirring until it wilts completely into the orzo.
  7. Continue to cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan.

Notes

  • For an extra bright flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  • If the orzo seems too thick, add a splash more broth or cream until you reach your desired creaminess.
  • This dish works beautifully as a vegetarian main course if you use vegetable broth.

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