Description
This Cheesy Spinach Orzo with White Beans is a quick and comforting dish combining tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, creamy white beans, and melted cheese for a delightful vegetarian meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo and Beans
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Oil
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and warm it up to prepare for sautéing the garlic.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot olive oil and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook until it wilts down, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add Beans and Broth: Stir in the drained white beans and vegetable broth, allowing the mixture to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Combine Orzo: Add the cooked orzo pasta to the pan and stir well, so everything is evenly mixed and heated.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mixture and stir continuously until the cheese melts and creates a creamy texture coating the dish.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired, mixing well to incorporate the seasoning.
- Serve Warm: Transfer to serving plates and enjoy this warm, cheesy, and nutritious meal immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella or cheddar cheese with any cheese of your choice such as gouda or fontina for a different flavor profile.
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken or turkey.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt intake.
- Rinse the white beans well to reduce sodium content from the canning liquid.
- Gently sauté garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness if desired.
- This dish can be prepared gluten-free using gluten-free orzo pasta.
