Name: Creamy Spinach Orzo
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 0.5 cup chopped yellow onion; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups unsalted vegetable broth; 1.5 cups whole-wheat orzo; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon ground pepper; 2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened; 3 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach; 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish; 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Creamy Spinach Orzo

5.0

(2)

1 Review

This creamy spinach orzo pasta dish is light, quick and easy. The fresh basil truly shines through and complements the spinach in this vegetarian pasta dinner.

Amanda Stanfield

Published on January 13, 2022

Creamy Spinach Orzo — Photo: Photography / Caitlin bensel, Food Styling / Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Styling / Julia Bayless

Active Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Servings:

Nutrition Profile:

Egg Free Nut-Free Soy-Free Vegetarian

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup chopped yellow onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups unsalted vegetable broth
1 ½ cups whole-wheat orzo
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
3 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
¼ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Directions

Heat oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring often, until the onion is slightly softened and the garlic is fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in orzo, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium; simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the broth is almost absorbed and the orzo is al dente, about 10 minutes. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Add spinach, basil and Parmesan; cook, stirring constantly, until the spinach is wilted and the Parmesan is melted, about 2 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional basil and/or Parmesan, if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

341	Calories
8g	Fat
54g	Carbs
12g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 341
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 54g	20%
Dietary Fiber 12g	43%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 12g	24%
Total Fat 8g	10%
Saturated Fat 3g	15%
Cholesterol 14mg	5%
Vitamin A 2947IU	59%
Vitamin C 10mg	11%
Vitamin D 1IU	0%
Vitamin E 1mg	9%
Sodium 478mg	21%
Calcium 97mg	7%
Iron 1mg	6%
Magnesium 24mg	6%
Potassium 183mg	4%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.