Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan, making post-dinner cleanup a breeze.
- Flavorful & Comforting: The creamy ricotta and Parmesan blend beautifully with the brightness of lemon and the earthiness of spinach.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main course or a hearty side. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Nutritious: Packed with fresh spinach and cooked in vegetable broth, offering a balanced meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 4 cups packed fresh spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Toast the Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo and toast for 2-3 minutes to add a slight nuttiness to the pasta.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add the Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Mix in the Creamy Ingredients: Remove the pan from the heat. Gently fold in the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until creamy and fully combined.
- Serve & Garnish: Transfer to plates or bowls, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
- Total Time: About 30 minutes.
Variations
- Protein Addition: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, for added protein.
- Vegetable Enhancements: Add sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or cooked quinoa.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace ricotta with dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to maintain creaminess. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
FAQs
What is orzo?
Orzo is a type of pasta shaped like rice grains, commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach with frozen. Ensure it’s thawed and excess moisture is squeezed out before adding to the dish.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Replace the orzo with gluten-free pasta or cooked quinoa to make the dish gluten-free.
Is there a vegan alternative for ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese or make a vegan ricotta using blended tofu or cashews.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
What proteins pair well with this dish?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, complement the flavors well.
How can I add more flavor?
Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor profile.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can be used, but cooking times may vary.
What can I use instead of vegetable broth?
Chicken broth or a mix of water with a bouillon cube can be used as alternatives.
How do I prevent the dish from becoming too dry?
Ensure not to overcook the orzo and add additional broth if needed to maintain a creamy consistency.
Print
Creamy Ricotta Spinach Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pan Creamy Ricotta Spinach Orzo is a quick and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights. Creamy ricotta, tender orzo, and fresh spinach come together with a touch of lemon for a comforting, flavor-packed meal—all made in just one pan!
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 4 cups packed fresh spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil – In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
- Sauté the Garlic – Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toast the Orzo – Stir in the orzo and cook for 2-3 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Add the Broth – Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the Spinach – Add fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Mix in the Creamy Ingredients – Remove from heat and fold in ricotta, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until creamy.
- Serve & Garnish – Plate and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Protein Additions: Add grilled chicken, shrimp.
- Vegetable Variations: Try sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or cooked quinoa instead of orzo.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute ricotta with dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian-Inspired
