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–+ servings
Bright and Creamy Cheesy Lemon Spinach Orzo

Bright and Creamy Cheesy Lemon Spinach Orzo for Busy Nights

This Bright and Creamy Cheesy Lemon Spinach Orzo is a quick, delicious, and customizable meal perfect for busy nights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with vegetable oil
  • 1 cup Onion Chopped; substitute with shallots
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; omit if desired
  • 1 cup Orzo Can substitute with quinoa for gluten-free
For the Liquid
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 0.5 cup White Wine Substitute with extra broth if non-alcoholic
For the Brightness
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Fresh is best
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Zest before juicing
For the Greens
  • 4 cups Baby Spinach Can swap with kale
For the Creaminess
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Use nutritional yeast for dairy-free
  • 0.5 cup Feta Cheese Omit for lower-calorie option

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add orzo to the pan, stirring to coat in oil. Toast for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and white wine, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover, simmering for about 1 minute.
  6. Uncover and cook orzo for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  7. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and baby spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
  8. Remove from heat and fold in grated Parmesan and crumbled feta until melted.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or lemon zest.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Customize with your favorite proteins or seasonal veggies to make this dish your own!

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