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    Home » All Recipes

    Author: Donna | Published: Nov 19, 2021 |

    Creamy Orzo With Spinach and Parmesan (Risoni Recipe)

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    Creamy parmesan risoni recipe

    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.

    Creamy risoni served in a white bowl with loose spinach and risoni sprinkled around

    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!

    Labelled ingredient shot of everything required to make creamy orzo with spinach
    A handful of simple ingredients is all it takes!

    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:

    1. Bring the chicken broth & milk to a boil over medium heat in a large skillet;
    2. Once boiling, add in the orzo and cook for about 8-10 minutes, until al dente;
    3. Whisk together the cream and egg yolks. Add to the cooked orzo, along with the parmesan, and stir to combine;
    4. Place over low heat and cook, stirring continuously, for about 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens;
    5. Remove from heat and add in the spinach;
    6. Stir until the spinach is just wilted;
    7. 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!

    Process collage of the steps required to make creamy orzo with spinach: heat the milk, add the orzo, add the cheese and spinach, combine and serve

    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.

    Overhead shot of creamy orzo with spinach served in a white bowl with some fresh spinach and sprinkles of uncooked orzo in the foreground

    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.

    Creamy orzo with spinach served in a white bowl with some fresh spinach and sprinkles of uncooked orzo in the foreground

    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.
    Serving shot of creamy orzo spinach in a large white and tan bowl being served up into white bowls by a serving spoon

    Happy Eating

    xx

    Recipe

    Creamy Orzo with Spinach Square

    Creamy Parmesan and Vegetable Orzo

    Whole Food Bellies
    Rich and luxurious, this dish is a perfect pairing with something substantial as is, or add in some vegetables and call it a main
    4.81 from 21 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipes!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 12 minutes mins
    Total Time 17 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Anytime
    Servings 4 serves
    Calories 365 kcal

    Clicking any equipment link above will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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.

    Notes

    Storing leftovers
    Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
    I do not recommend freezing as the pasta may become mushy and the sauce does not thaw well.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 14gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 153mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 344mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1469IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 270mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment HERE and let us know how it was!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sara says

      January 27, 2022 at 1:46 am

      In the instructions you wrote freezer orzo. What do you mean by that?

      Reply
      • Donna says

        January 31, 2022 at 12:47 pm

        Just a typo, thanks for picking it up. Should just read orzo.

        Reply
    2. Lynn Polito says

      November 22, 2021 at 1:09 am

      What a great recipe!! So flavorful and delicious!

      Reply
    3. Sherry Ronning says

      November 21, 2021 at 4:28 pm

      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!

      Reply
    4. Kim says

      November 21, 2021 at 11:17 am

      This was amazing! Perfect side or base for adding a bunch of veggies on top!

      Reply
    5. Jennifer says

      November 21, 2021 at 9:03 am

      I love this recipe and it never fails to impress!

      Reply
    6. Mandy Applegate says

      November 20, 2021 at 6:31 pm

      I'm in the UK and we also call it orzo and this parmesan orzo recipe is delicious!

      Reply
    7. Linda says

      November 20, 2021 at 4:33 pm

      This orzo is so creamy comforting and this one is a favorite!

      Reply
    8. Janet Harris says

      December 30, 2018 at 1:46 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Donna says

        December 30, 2018 at 2:07 pm

        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 🙂

        Reply
    9. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says

      November 27, 2015 at 5:06 am

      We love orzo and this sounds such a good way to use it. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        November 27, 2015 at 2:58 pm

        Thanks for stopping over Marisa 🙂

        Reply
    10. Richa says

      November 27, 2015 at 4:55 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        November 27, 2015 at 2:59 pm

        Yes, you should def try orzo, it is pretty versatile - we use it all the time. Totally like a carbonara!

        Reply
    11. Choclette says

      November 27, 2015 at 1:59 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        November 27, 2015 at 3:00 pm

        I never thought to add cabbage - I love it though, will be trying it next time!

        Reply
    12. Rachel @ Simple Seasonal says

      November 26, 2015 at 5:22 pm

      I wish that I had a bowl of this right now! It looks so creamy and satisfying!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        November 27, 2015 at 3:01 pm

        🙂 Thanks Rachel

        Reply
    13. Molly Kumar says

      November 24, 2015 at 11:18 pm

      I love orzo and this looks so delicious and easy to cook.

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        November 25, 2015 at 2:43 pm

        It is super easy Molly 🙂

        Reply
    14. dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says

      November 24, 2015 at 3:48 am

      i usually make cold orzo salad but im digging this warm, cheesy version so much right now.

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        November 24, 2015 at 3:27 pm

        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!

        Reply
    15. Razena | Tantalisemytastebuds.com says

      November 23, 2015 at 10:57 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        November 23, 2015 at 2:04 pm

        Thanks Razena!

        Reply
    16. nazima says

      November 21, 2015 at 1:47 pm

      I love orzo. This looks like a perfect winter recipe and super kid-friendly too!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        November 23, 2015 at 2:07 pm

        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!)

        Reply
    17. Neli @ Delicious Meets Healthy says

      November 21, 2015 at 1:30 pm

      This parmesan and veggie orzo sounds absolutely delicious!!! What a great side dish for the coming holidays!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        November 23, 2015 at 2:08 pm

        Thanks Neli 🙂 Quick and easy to prepare to boot!

        Reply
    18. Emily @amummytoo says

      November 03, 2015 at 3:31 pm

      That looks fantastic. I really need to try cooking with orzo more often and this looks like a great place to start.

      Reply
      • Whole Food Bellies says

        November 03, 2015 at 6:03 pm

        Thanks Emily 🙂

        Reply
    19. Claudia | Gourmet Project says

      October 29, 2015 at 10:20 am

      mouthwatering, can't stop to dream about it. my next gourmet dinner!

      Reply
      • Whole Food Bellies says

        October 29, 2015 at 4:22 pm

        Aww thanks Claudia 🙂

        Reply
    20. Kathrina says

      October 29, 2015 at 2:30 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Whole Food Bellies says

        October 29, 2015 at 4:24 pm

        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!

        Reply
    4.81 from 21 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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