Orzo with Spinach and Asiago Cheese
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Orzo with Spinach and Asiago Cheese, a quick and easy recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds. This dish, brought to you by lovewithrecipes.com, combines the nutty taste of asiago cheese with the earthy goodness of spinach, all enveloped in a bed of tender orzo pasta. Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion
- 1 celery rib
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup asiago cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Instructions
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Prepare Orzo: Begin by cooking the orzo according to the package directions. This typically involves boiling the orzo in salted water until tender, then draining it well. Set aside.
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Saute Aromatics: In the meantime, heat a nonstick saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan evenly. Dice the onion and celery, mince the garlic, and add them to the pan. Saute the vegetables until they soften, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
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Add Spinach and Flavorings: Once the onion, celery, and garlic are tender, it’s time to introduce the star ingredient – spinach! Add the fresh spinach leaves to the saucepan along with half of the chicken broth and the red wine vinegar. Stir everything together and allow it to cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid evaporates. This should take approximately 2 to 3 minutes, during which the spinach will wilt down and absorb the flavors from the broth and vinegar.
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Combine Orzo and Cheese: Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked orzo to the saucepan, followed by the grated asiago cheese. Pour in the remaining chicken broth to keep the dish moist and stir everything together until the cheese melts and coats the orzo evenly.
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Season and Serve: Finally, season the dish with freshly ground pepper to taste. If desired, you can also add a pinch of salt for extra flavor, although the asiago cheese already contributes some saltiness. Give everything a final stir to ensure that the seasonings are well distributed throughout the dish. Once ready, serve your Orzo with Spinach and Asiago Cheese hot, garnished with additional grated asiago cheese if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 149.9
- Fat: 2.9g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 16.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 26.1g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 1.4g
- Protein: 4.9g
Recipe Notes
- Customization: Feel free to customize this recipe according to your preferences. You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more variety, or incorporate cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
- Serve with: This Orzo with Spinach and Asiago Cheese pairs beautifully with a side salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette, crusty garlic bread, or a simple grilled chicken breast for a more substantial meal. Enjoy! 🍲🥗🍞