Healthy Lifestyle Diets Healthy Vegetarian Recipes Healthy Vegetarian Dinner Recipes Healthy Vegetarian Pasta Recipes 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. By Amanda Stanfield Amanda Stanfield Amanda Stanfield is a Test Kitchen assistant in the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios. She completed her undergraduate degree in journalism and strategic communications at Hampton University. After graduation, Amanda worked in the nonprofit sector as a marketing associate for a global nonprofit organization. In 2018, she pivoted into the food industry and began training in fine-dining restaurants around Atlanta. Later she gained her culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University and went on to work in a variety of kitchens from boutique restaurants to conference hotels. As a true foodie, Amanda seeks out nutritious and unique flavors to inspire others to eat happily and healthfully. When she's not cooking up delicious recipes, you can find her lap swimming in the pool or watching a good sci-fi movie. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Published on January 13, 2022 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Photography / Caitlin bensel, Food Styling / Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Styling / Julia Bayless Active Time: 25 mins Total Time: 30 mins Servings: 4 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. Rate it Print Nutrition Facts (per serving) 341 Calories 8g Fat 54g Carbs 12g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label 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. Powered by the ESHA Research Database © 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved