One-Pot Lemon Orzo with Spinach & Parmesan Recipe
This bright and creamy One-Pot Lemon Orzo with Spinach & Parmesan Recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish combines tender orzo, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon for a flavorful, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo pasta, ensuring it is well coated with the oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is lightly toasted.
- Pour in the chicken broth, water, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using). The residual heat will wilt the spinach and melt the butter and cheese.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Divide the One-Pot Lemon Orzo with Spinach & Parmesan among plates or bowls. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Pro Tips: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Stir the orzo frequently to prevent sticking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.Variations: Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a different green. Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.