Go Back
–+ servings
Bright and Creamy Cheesy Lemon Spinach Orzo

Bright and Creamy Cheesy Lemon Spinach Orzo for Busy Nights

Bright and Creamy Cheesy Lemon Spinach Orzo is a quick and satisfying 30-minute meal that combines zesty lemon, creamy cheeses, and vibrant spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil can substitute with vegetable oil
  • 1 medium Onion chopped; shallots are an alternative
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced; optional for milder flavor
  • 1 cup Orzo can substitute with quinoa for gluten-free option
For Flavor Enhancements
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth can swap for vegetable broth
  • ½ cup White Wine replace with additional broth for non-alcoholic option
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice fresh squeezed recommended
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest zest before juicing for best flavor
For the Greens and Creaminess
  • 3 cups Baby Spinach can substitute with kale or other leafy greens
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated; optional for dairy-free version
  • ½ cup Feta Cheese crumbled; can be omitted for lower calories

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat the Oil: In a medium saucepan, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
  2. Sauté the Onion: Add 1 chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Toast the Orzo: Introduce 1 cup of orzo, stirring frequently for 1-2 minutes until it turns light golden.
  5. Pour in the Liquids: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and ½ cup of white wine; bring to boil then simmer for 8-10 minutes.
  6. Combine with Spinach and Lemon: Stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 3 cups of baby spinach, cooking for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts.
  7. Mix in the Cheeses: Remove from heat, fold in ½ cup of grated Parmesan and ½ cup of crumbled feta until melted.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon into bowls while warm; garnish with additional cheese or lemon zest.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1400IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Feel free to add your favorite proteins or seasonal vegetables to customize this dish further.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!