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A plate of steaming, golden baked orzo pasta garnished with fresh herbs, served alongside colorful vegetables for a quick weeknight meal.

Effortless Weeknight Orzo: Your Delicious Go-To Meal

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Discover the quick and delicious Effortless Weeknight Orzo, a healthy and versatile pasta dish perfect for busy evenings. Packed with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, this easy orzo recipe offers a nutritious and flavorful meal that comes together in just 20-25 minutes. Ideal for those seeking a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups of orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup of baby spinach or kale
  • ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
  • Optional: cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the orzo cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Stir in the spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
  4. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For added protein, include cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu with the orzo.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat by microwaving or warming in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg