Description

A creamy, bright, and comforting one-pot orzo dish cooked risotto-style with Parmesan, lemon, and greens. Ready in under 30 minutes and customizable with pantry staples and optional add-ins.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups dry orzo (about 285 g)

2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small shallot (or 1/2 small onion), finely chopped

2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup milk or half-and-half

1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Zest of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped

1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen), optional

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Chopped parsley, for serving

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Instructions

Warm the butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the shallot and a pinch of salt; cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the orzo and toast it for 1 minute, stirring to coat each grain.
Pour in the broth and milk, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered, stirring often, for 9–11 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Add extra broth or water if needed.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan until creamy.
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), spinach, and peas. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the greens wilt.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Finish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while creamy and saucy.

Notes

Customize with shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or crispy chickpeas for added protein.

Stir in extra veggies like mushrooms, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes.

Use olive oil and reduce cheese for a lighter dairy option.

Try Pecorino Romano or mascarpone as cheese alternatives.

Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of liquid.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 430
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 40mg