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One-Pot Creamy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Spinach

A close-up of a creamy bowl of orzo pasta mixed with browned sausage pieces and wilted spinach.
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Make this easy one-pot orzo dinner for a quick weeknight meal. This creamy orzo recipe features bright lemon, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese, finished with fresh spinach for a complete dish.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (or chicken sausage)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess grease.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the sauce is creamy.
  6. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts into the orzo, about 2 minutes.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute half of the chicken broth with dry white wine, adding it after toasting the orzo and letting it cook down before adding the rest of the broth.
  • This recipe works well with shrimp or shredded cooked chicken added in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • If the sauce seems too thick after adding the cream, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/one-pot-creamy-lemon-garlic-orzo-pasta/