Go Back
To create this delightful dish, you will need a handful of ingredients that are often staples in many kitchens. The star of the show is orzo pasta, a small rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. Let's dive deeper into each ingredient that brings this dish to life:

Creamy Baked Lemon Spinach Orzo

Discover the warmth of comfort food with Creamy Baked Lemon Spinach Orzo, a dish that effortlessly blends simplicity, flavor, and a touch of elegance. This delightful recipe reflects the vibrant freshness of spring, featuring tender orzo pasta soaked in a luscious creamy sauce enriched with fresh spinach, aromatic garlic, and zesty lemon. Perfect for any occasion, it can be enjoyed as a main meal or a side dish. Gather your ingredients and dive into an experience that promises to satisfy and delight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup vegetable broth

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Orzo: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Sauté Vegetables: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

        Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach, cooking until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

          Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, vegetable broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the sautéed spinach and pour the cream mixture over it. Stir well to combine.

            Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir gently to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the mixture.

              Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly golden on top.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4