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A vibrant plate of cooked orzo pasta garnished with fresh herbs and vegetables, served on a rustic wooden table.

Effortless & Flavorful Orzo: Your Perfect Weeknight Meal

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Discover the perfect weeknight meal with this Effortless & Flavorful Orzo recipe. Packed with fresh vegetables, melted Parmesan, and optional proteins, this quick and easy orzo dinner is designed to satisfy your craving for a wholesome, tasty, and versatile dish. Ideal for busy nights when time is limited but flavor is a priority, this recipe offers a gourmet feel with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups of dry orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for added protein

Instructions

  1. Cook the orzo pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
  4. Add cooked orzo to the skillet. Pour in broth, stir, and simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. For added protein, serve with cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage. Serve hot.

Notes

  • You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or pastina for variety.
  • Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of broth to keep moist.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing, simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian option can be made by using vegetable broth and omitting meat

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 380 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg