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creamy lemon orzo - featured image

Creamy Lemon Orzo with Spinach and Feta

  • Author: Nadia
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick, 15-minute weeknight dinner featuring nutty orzo tossed in a rich, velvety lemon cream sauce with wilted spinach and tangy feta cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup (70g) crumbled brined feta cheese
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups (120g) fresh baby spinach
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep all ingredients: mince garlic, grate Parmesan, crumble feta, and zest the lemon. Set lemon zest aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
  3. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add spinach and stir until wilted. Mix in feta cheese and lemon juice.
  6. Add the drained orzo to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in the reserved lemon zest.
  8. Serve immediately, topped with extra feta, black pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

For best results, use brined feta rather than dry aged feta. Always add cheese off the heat to prevent graininess. Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce. This dish is best fresh but stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not freeze as the sauce may separate.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 13
  • Carbohydrates: 52
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 16

Keywords: creamy lemon orzo, quick dinner, weeknight meals, one pan pasta, lemon feta pasta, easy dinner, vegetarian dinner

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Find it online: https://yescook.online/creamy-lemon-orzo-best-15-minute-easy-dinner/