Cheesy Spinach and Lemon Orzo Delight

$- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil, for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish tasty. The orzo pasta gives it a nice texture. Using vegetable broth adds depth to the flavor. Olive oil helps sauté the garlic and spinach. Fresh spinach brings color and nutrition. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and brightness. Lemon zest and juice bring a fresh zing. Ricotta cheese makes it creamy, while mozzarella gives that gooey finish. This dish serves four people. Each serving has about: - Calories: 400 - Protein: 15g - Carbs: 45g - Fat: 20g - Fiber: 3g This orzo dish is filling and balanced. It has good protein from cheese and some fiber from spinach. It’s a great choice for a quick meal. You can swap some ingredients if you like. For a gluten-free option, use rice or quinoa instead of orzo. If you want a lighter cheese, try cottage cheese. You can use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available. For added flavor, try different herbs like thyme or oregano instead of basil. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by bringing 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. I use a medium pot for this. Once it boils, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it for 8 to 10 minutes. You want it al dente, so check it often. After cooking, drain the orzo and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. The smell will fill your kitchen! Then, toss in 4 cups of chopped spinach. Cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want it to be wilted and vibrant. Now it's time to bring everything together. Stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Cook this mix for another 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked orzo, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, and half of 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir well until the cheeses melt. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Cover the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes to let the cheese melt. Don't forget to garnish with fresh basil before serving! To get perfect orzo, cook it in boiling vegetable broth. This adds flavor. Stir it often to prevent sticking. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm but tender. Drain the orzo well, but keep a little broth. This will help later when mixing with other ingredients. For the best cheese melt, add the cheeses when the heat is low. This helps them melt slowly and evenly. Stir the mix gently. This avoids clumps and ensures every bite is cheesy goodness. Covering the skillet with a lid helps the cheese melt faster. It creates steam that makes it soft and gooey. You can boost flavor with simple tricks. Add more lemon juice or zest for a fresh kick. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add color and taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes brings heat without overpowering the dish. Try different veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for a twist. Pro Tips Fresh Spinach is Key: Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. Frozen spinach can become mushy and watery when cooked. Adjust Lemon to Taste: The amount of lemon juice can be adjusted based on your personal preference for acidity. Start with less and add more gradually. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Feta or goat cheese can add a tangy flavor that complements the spinach and lemon. Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can be added for extra flavor. Toss them in just before serving for a burst of freshness. {{image_2}} This dish shines as a vegetarian delight. You can add more veggies to boost nutrition. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. They add color and flavor. You can also swap in whole wheat orzo for extra fiber. Consider using a mix of herbs like parsley or dill. They make each bite fresh and bright. If you want to add protein, there are many options. Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs well with this orzo. You can also use chickpeas for a plant-based boost. Sauté them with garlic for extra taste. If you prefer meat, use diced turkey or sausage. They can add heartiness to your meal. Explore different cuisines by changing flavors. For Italian vibes, add basil and oregano. A dash of red pepper flakes can spice it up. If you crave Greek flavors, try feta cheese and olives. For a touch of Asian cuisine, add soy sauce and sesame oil. Each variation gives you a new taste experience. After enjoying your cheesy spinach and lemon orzo delight, store any leftovers right away. Place the orzo in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature first. This helps keep the texture nice. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is easy. You can microwave the orzo in a bowl. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm. Stir between heating to ensure even warmth. If using a stovetop, place it in a pan over low heat. Stir often until it’s hot. Want to save your orzo for later? You can freeze it! Place cooled orzo in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. For best results, divide it into single portions. This makes it easy to thaw just what you need. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned for the best taste. Orzo takes about 8 to 10 minutes to cook. You want it to be al dente. Start by boiling vegetable broth in a pot. Then, add the orzo and stir. Once it’s cooked, drain it and set it aside. This step is quick and easy, making orzo a great choice for busy nights. Yes, you can make this orzo dish ahead of time. Prepare the orzo and sauce, then store them separately. This helps keep the orzo from getting too soft. When you’re ready to eat, just combine them in a skillet. Heat it up and enjoy a quick meal that tastes fresh. Orzo is very versatile! You can use it in many dishes. For example, you can add it to soups for extra texture. It also works well in salads, mixed with veggies and dressing. You can even bake it with cheese and vegetables for a hearty casserole. Explore these ideas to enjoy orzo in different ways! This blog covers all you need to know about orzo dishes. We talked about key ingredients, how to cook orzo, and clever tips for perfect texture. You learned tasty variations and smart ways to store leftovers. Orzo offers great options for meals. With simple steps, you can create delicious dishes that fit your taste. Now, you’re ready to enjoy orzo in many fun ways!$

Cheesy Spinach and Lemon Orzo Delight

A delightful dish combining orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses with a hint of lemon.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil

Instructions

In a medium pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked orzo, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined and the cheeses are melted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword cheesy, lemon, orzo, spinach