This risoni recipe (orzo for those in the States) has been a staple in our house for years. Creamy orzo with spinach and parmesan is the perfect accompaniment to most meat, chicken, and fish dishes (why not try it with Crusted Sage and Macadamia Nut Chicken Breasts), and is also a perfect little bowl of creamy comfort food all by itself or with lots of added veggies. Easily made ahead of time, and always a hit with the whole family.
This makes the perfect side dish to serve with something a little more substantial like my Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bake.
This post has been updated from the original risoni recipe posted on 26 October 2015 to include more information and process photos.
Creamy Orzo With Spinach and Parmesan (Risoni Recipe)
I have been making this creamy parmesan orzo recipe forever.
I usually serve it as a side to some slow-cooked lamb shanks or some grilled chicken.
It is ridiculous.
So delicious.
And it is also SUPER easy to make which is always a huge plus.
You are going to need only a handful of simple ingredients:
- chicken stock or broth: you can always sub in some vegetable stock if you prefer;
- whole milk: choose full fat or light milk depending on your preferences;
- heavy cream;
- orzo pasta (risoni): this can be found in the pasta section of the grocery store, it looks like slightly larger, yellow, grains of rice;
- parmesan cheese: try to buy a block and grate it yourself. The pre-grated cheese has lots of added extras which can give it a grainy texture when melted;
- chopped fresh spinach: you can either buy English spinach and chop it yourself, or instead opt for some baby spinach;
- egg yolks: just the yolks, (why not save the egg whites for some egg white bites like these ones from slow the cook down);
- salt;
- freshly ground black pepper.
That's it!
How To Make Creamy Parmesan Orzo Pasta
This risoni recipe is a favorite in our house for a reason.
The reason being that it is super easy and delicious.
We are simply going to:
- Bring the chicken broth & milk to a boil over medium heat in a large skillet;
- Once boiling, add in the orzo and cook for about 8-10 minutes, until al dente;
- Whisk together the cream and egg yolks. Add to the cooked orzo, along with the parmesan, and stir to combine;
- Place over low heat and cook, stirring continuously, for about 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens;
- Remove from heat and add in the spinach;
- Stir until the spinach is just wilted;
- Add salt and pepper and serve.
At this point, you can always add some chopped and lightly sautéed veggies or shredded chicken, etc if you want to make this creamy orzo the main course served alongside a nice side salad.
Or you can serve it as a side dish to some chicken, fish, grilled meat, or whatever else takes your fancy!
Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions
Think of this delicious side dish like a blank canvas.
It is perfect as is if you are feeling like a mac-and-cheese type cheesy pasta comfort dish.
But it also makes for the perfect pairing for any main you are serving.
You can also dress it up or down depending on your mood.
Why not try:
- adding in some chopped bell peppers or asparagus;
- adding in some chopped broccoli florets;
- add a big handful of chopped fresh herbs;
- make it a creamy chicken orzo by adding in some shredded rotisserie chicken, leftover pressure cooker chicken, or leftover turkey to make it a substantial main dish.
It lends itself well to so many dishes, you really can't go wrong!
I like to add a drizzle of lemon juice to my creamy orzo pasta just before serving to really make the flavors pop.
Can I Use Other Pasta?
Yes, absolutely.
Use whatever pasta you prefer.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes!
When it comes time to reheat you may want to add a little bit of water or broth to the orzo to loosen the dish up and make it creamy again.
How To Store Leftover Creamy Orzo
This dish is best eaten straight away.
If you do happen to have some leftovers, they should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
How To Reheat
When it comes time to reheat, simply add some water or broth to a pan to loosen the creamy sauce up and heat on the stovetop.
This dish does not microwave well, so avoid reheating in the microwave if at all possible.
Can This Be Frozen?
I do not recommend freezing leftovers, as pasta can become mushy when reheated and the sauce does not thaw well.
Need More Easy One-Pot Meal Ideas For Dinner Tonight?
I got you!
Check these recipes out:
- One-Pot Creamy Garlic Vegetarian Tortellini Soup
- One Pot Vegetable Chili Baked Hasselback Potatoes
- One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken with Potatoes and Garden Herbs
- Hearty One-Pot Stuffed Cabbage Soup: Stove Top and Instant Pot Instructions.
Happy Eating
xx
Recipe
Creamy Parmesan and Vegetable Orzo
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup orzo pasta (risoni)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 egg yolks
- ½ cup parmiggiano reggiano finely grated
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach or baby spinach
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring chicken broth and milk to a boil in a large saucepan.
- Once boiling, add in the orzo and cook according to package instructions, for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
- Drain the orzo, and return to the pan.
- Whisk together the cream and the egg yolks. Add to the cooked orzo, along with the grated parmesan, and stir well to combine.
- Place over low heat and cook, stirring continuously, for about 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and add in the spinach. Stir to combine, until just wilted.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper before serving.
Sara says
In the instructions you wrote freezer orzo. What do you mean by that?
Donna says
Just a typo, thanks for picking it up. Should just read orzo.
Lynn Polito says
What a great recipe!! So flavorful and delicious!
Sherry Ronning says
I bought a box of Orzo and was not sure how to cook it. I made your creamy orzo recipe and my family just loved it!! I will be making it again!
Kim says
This was amazing! Perfect side or base for adding a bunch of veggies on top!
Jennifer says
I love this recipe and it never fails to impress!
Mandy Applegate says
I'm in the UK and we also call it orzo and this parmesan orzo recipe is delicious!
Linda says
This orzo is so creamy comforting and this one is a favorite!
Janet Harris says
The pictures look lovely. But Really, , the accolades for the look is too much. Can someone please comment on the taste or actual experience of cooking? Do any of you really cook? Wanna try it is not cute. Is this some kind of support group for an upstart? What a waste of time.
Donna says
Ha, it's so funny you should say that Janet, as when I went back to have a look at the post all I could think was that I really need to re-do those photos because they are terrible! I understand your frustration, those comments are all from 2015 when I first started this site. I can tell you that I have made this dish 20+ times in the meantime and it is yummy 🙂
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
We love orzo and this sounds such a good way to use it. Thank you for sharing.
Donna1 says
Thanks for stopping over Marisa 🙂
Richa says
I have to try out Orzo! Now I'm determined to do so. It's almost like a carbonara with the egg in it 🙂 Sounds delicious!
Donna1 says
Yes, you should def try orzo, it is pretty versatile - we use it all the time. Totally like a carbonara!
Choclette says
Ooh definitely a meal and a delicious one at that. I usually add a load of cabbage to my mushroom risotto, so I can feel virtuous when eating it and not have to prepare any veg sides to go with it.
Donna1 says
I never thought to add cabbage - I love it though, will be trying it next time!
Rachel @ Simple Seasonal says
I wish that I had a bowl of this right now! It looks so creamy and satisfying!
Donna1 says
🙂 Thanks Rachel
Molly Kumar says
I love orzo and this looks so delicious and easy to cook.
Donna1 says
It is super easy Molly 🙂
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says
i usually make cold orzo salad but im digging this warm, cheesy version so much right now.
Donna1 says
I don't think I have ever actually had it cold - sounds great though, I will be adding some to my next salad for sure!
Razena | Tantalisemytastebuds.com says
I could go for a bowl of this right now. It looks so delicious and creamy. My mother used to love using orzo with chicken or steak as a main course.
Donna1 says
Thanks Razena!
nazima says
I love orzo. This looks like a perfect winter recipe and super kid-friendly too!
Donna1 says
Definitely kid friendly - my littles love this (although it manages to get everywhere, and I find it for days afterwards in diapers and down vests!)
Neli @ Delicious Meets Healthy says
This parmesan and veggie orzo sounds absolutely delicious!!! What a great side dish for the coming holidays!
Donna1 says
Thanks Neli 🙂 Quick and easy to prepare to boot!
Emily @amummytoo says
That looks fantastic. I really need to try cooking with orzo more often and this looks like a great place to start.
Whole Food Bellies says
Thanks Emily 🙂
Claudia | Gourmet Project says
mouthwatering, can't stop to dream about it. my next gourmet dinner!
Whole Food Bellies says
Aww thanks Claudia 🙂
Kathrina says
Ooh, an orzo recipe! I'm happy to see this because it is my youngest daughter's favorite pasta shape and I'm always looking for new ideas. It also has cheese, which we LOVE. I can't wait give this recipe a try.
Whole Food Bellies says
Oh I hope you enjoy it Kathrina! We love orzo around here (especially the kids), but it get's a bit of a bad rap!