Go Back

One-Pot Spinach Orzo with Parmesan (Creamy, Comforting & Easy)

If you’re craving a creamy, cozy dinner that doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes, this One-Pot Spinach Orzo with Parmesan is exactly what you need. It’s rich but balanced, comforting yet fresh, and comes together in a single pot in under 30 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 30 g olive oil
  • 100 g yellow onion finely diced
  • 6 g garlic about 2 cloves, minced
  • 450 g dried orzo pasta
  • 480 ml chicken or vegetable broth
  • 480 ml whole milk
  • 60 g fresh baby spinach roughly chopped
  • 100 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Sauté the aromatics

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
  • Add the garlic and the orzo. Season lightly with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Add the liquids and cook the orzo

  • Pour in the broth and milk. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • The orzo should become al dente while absorbing most of the liquid and forming a creamy sauce.
  • If the orzo isn’t fully cooked, add 1–2 tablespoons of extra broth and continue simmering for a few more minutes.

Finish with spinach and Parmesan

  • Once the orzo is tender and creamy, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the spinach and Parmesan.
  • Cook for about 1 minute, just until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.

Season and serve

  • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, topped with extra grated Parmesan.