Creamy Tomato Orzo with Spinach ~ Quick & Easy Pantry Side Dish ~ Noreen's Kitchen

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

Welcome to the kitchen and introduction of the dish.

Start with 3 cups of water in a pot and bring it to a boil.

Add 2 cups of orzo pasta to the boiling water and stir.

Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the orzo to prevent sticking.

Cook the orzo over medium-high heat until it absorbs the water and is al dente.

Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the pot and stir until melted.

Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and the prepared pasta sauce, stirring to combine.

Add all seasonings: 1 teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried Italian seasoning, along with 1/2 teaspoon of cracked black pepper and kosher salt to taste.

Stir in 1/4 cup of freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano until melted and combined with the sauce.

Add fresh baby spinach to the pot and stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Cover the pot and let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and spinach to wilt further.

Serve as a side dish with grilled or pan-seared protein.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens