Welcome to comfort food heaven! This One-Pan Creamy Ricotta Spinach Orzo is the perfect blend of creamy, zesty, and wholesome flavors, all wrapped up in a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something warm and cozy for a quiet evening, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that only uses one pan? (Hello, minimal cleanup!)
Let me take you through why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💕
- Effortless Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan, making post-dinner cleanup a breeze.
- Flavorful & Comforting: The creamy ricotta and Parmesan combine beautifully with the brightness of lemon and the earthy taste of spinach.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or a satisfying side. Add protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp, for extra heartiness.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with spinach and cooked in vegetable broth, this meal offers a great balance of nutrients and indulgence.
What Does It Taste Like? 🥄
Every bite is pure bliss! The ricotta creates a luscious, creamy texture, while the Parmesan adds a hint of nuttiness. The fresh spinach delivers an earthy freshness, and the lemon juice brightens the entire dish. Together, these ingredients form a cozy, flavor-packed experience that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🌿
Here’s everything required to make this delicious one-pan meal:
- Orzo Pasta: 1 cup uncooked orzo (small, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the goodness).
- Fresh Spinach: 4 cups, packed (feel free to add more for extra greens!).
- Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup (makes the dish creamy without being heavy).
- Vegetable Broth: 3 cups (for cooking the orzo and adding flavor).
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (fresh garlic for maximum flavor).
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (the foundation for sautéing).
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated (because everything is better with Parmesan!).
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed (to brighten the dish).
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste).
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (a little kick of warmth).
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon, optional (for some heat).
- Fresh Basil: Optional, for garnish (adds a pop of color and freshness).
Tools You’ll Need 🥘
- Large skillet or pan (deep enough to hold the orzo, broth, and spinach).
- A wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring).
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions 🛠️
- Additions:
- Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
- Vegetables: Sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
- Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with cooked quinoa.
- Dairy-Free: Swap ricotta with dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Ricotta Spinach Orzo 🌟
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Stir in the uncooked orzo and toast for 2-3 minutes. This step adds a slight nuttiness to the pasta.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5: Add the Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
Step 6: Mix in the Creamy Ingredients
Remove the pan from the heat. Gently fold in the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until creamy and fully combined.
Step 7: Serve & Garnish
Transfer to plates or bowls, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm. Enjoy!
What to Serve with This Dish 🍴
This dish is fantastic on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- A side of crusty bread for scooping up the creamy sauce.
- A crisp arugula or Caesar salad for contrast.
- Grilled proteins like chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Tips for Perfect Orzo Every Time 👩🍳
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on it while simmering to avoid mushiness.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach, lemon, and basil elevate the dish.
- Adjust Creaminess: Add a splash of vegetable broth or milk if the dish gets too thick.
How to Store & Reheat 🍱
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy texture may change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! While best served fresh, you can make it ahead and reheat with a little broth or water to keep it creamy.
Can I Use Frozen Spinach?
Absolutely! Thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the dish.
Is This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, as written, it’s vegetarian! Use vegetable-based Parmesan if needed.
Customizations to Suit Your Taste 🎨
This dish is versatile, and you can easily tweak it to fit your preferences:
- Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Swap the Greens: Not a spinach fan? Try kale, Swiss chard, or arugula instead.
- Herby Twist: Add fresh thyme, parsley, or oregano for an aromatic touch.
- Boost the Protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas, grilled chicken, or diced tofu for a protein-packed meal.
- Citrusy Lift: Love citrus? Add a little lemon zest along with the juice for extra brightness.
Why One-Pan Meals are a Game Changer 🥘
If you’re not already hooked on one-pan meals, let me explain why they’re such a lifesaver:
- Time-Saving: Less time scrubbing dishes means more time relaxing (or digging into dessert!).
- Efficient Cooking: Everything comes together in one vessel, so the flavors meld perfectly.
- Family-Friendly: A single pan means you can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings or leftovers.
Once you try this dish, you’ll understand why one-pan meals are a favorite for home cooks everywhere.
How to Make It Vegan 🌱
Want to transform this into a vegan dish? It’s easier than you think!
- Replace Ricotta: Use a plant-based ricotta or blend tofu with nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and lemon juice.
- Substitute Parmesan: Opt for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
- Choose Vegan Broth: Double-check that your vegetable broth is certified vegan.
The result? A creamy, indulgent, plant-based meal that everyone will enjoy.
Hosting Tip: Turn It Into a Crowd-Pleaser 🍴
In Conclusion: Why You Need to Make This Dish ASAP! 🥳
This One-Pan Creamy Ricotta Spinach Orzo is everything you could want in a meal—comforting, creamy, and bursting with flavor. The best part? It comes together in just one pan with simple ingredients you probably already have. Whether it’s for a quick weekday dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe delivers every time.
If you try this recipe, please leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest. I love seeing your creations!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving) 🥗
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
Looking for more creamy, dreamy recipes? Check out:
- Creamy Garlic Mushroom Risotto
- Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Arugula
Happy cooking! 💕
Creamy Ricotta Spinach Orzo
Ingredients
- Here’s everything required to make this delicious one-pan meal:
- Orzo Pasta: 1 cup uncooked orzo small, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the goodness.
- Fresh Spinach: 4 cups packed (feel free to add more for extra greens!).
- Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup makes the dish creamy without being heavy.
- Vegetable Broth: 3 cups for cooking the orzo and adding flavor.
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced (fresh garlic for maximum flavor).
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons the foundation for sautéing.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated (because everything is better with Parmesan!).
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed (to brighten the dish).
- Salt: ½ teaspoon adjust to taste.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon a little kick of warmth.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon optional (for some heat).
- Fresh Basil: Optional for garnish (adds a pop of color and freshness).
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
- In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Step 3: Toast the Orzo
- Stir in the uncooked orzo and toast for 2-3 minutes. This step adds a slight nuttiness to the pasta.
- Step 4: Add the Broth
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Step 5: Add the Spinach
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
- Step 6: Mix in the Creamy Ingredients
- Remove the pan from the heat. Gently fold in the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until creamy and fully combined.
- Step 7: Serve & Garnish
- Transfer to plates or bowls, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Keep an eye on it while simmering to avoid mushiness.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach, lemon, and basil elevate the dish.
