The Best Yumblink Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Hey food lovers! If you’re anything like me, you never get tired of a rich, creamy dish that combines savory flavors with a little twist. This Spinach & Artichoke Orzo is the perfect example! It’s warm, comforting, and super easy to make. You’ll love how the creamy texture of cream cheese blends with the earthy spinach and artichokes, while the orzo adds the perfect bite. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
Method
Heat Up the Pan
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil will create a base for sautéing the vegetables and help to prevent sticking. Allow the oil to warm up for about 1 minute, ensuring it’s hot but not smoking before moving on to the next step.
Sauté the Veggies
Once the oil is ready, add 1 diced shallot and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir them around so they’re evenly coated in the oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the shallot softens and turns translucent. This step will release the savory flavors of the shallot and garlic, creating a delicious aromatic foundation for your dish.
Toast the Orzo
Next, add 1 cup of orzo to the skillet with the shallot and garlic. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes, allowing the orzo to toast lightly. This process will help bring out a nutty flavor in the orzo, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.
Add the Liquid
After the orzo has been toasted, pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth, followed by a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. You’ll want to keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t boil over.
Simmer
Once the broth begins to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the orzo to cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo should be al dente by this point, and the broth will mostly be absorbed. Keep an eye on the liquid level, adding a splash of extra broth if necessary, but aim to keep the orzo in a creamy texture.
Stir in the Creamy Goodness
After the orzo is cooked, stir in 14 ounces of rough-chopped artichoke hearts, 4 ounces of cream cheese, 1/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese, and 2 cups of spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cream cheese melts into a creamy sauce, coating the orzo. The mixture should thicken up and become rich and velvety.
Taste and Adjust
Finally, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer more salt or pepper, feel free to add it at this stage. For an extra touch of flavor, you can also sprinkle a little more parmesan cheese on top. Stir to incorporate and serve immediately while it’s nice and creamy!
Necessary Tools
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Spinach And Artichoke Orzo
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: EasyServings
4
servingsPrep time
5
minutesCooking time
20
minutesTotal time
25
minutesIngredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 shallot, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo
3 cups vegetable broth
14 oz can artichoke hearts, rough chopped
4 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
2 cups spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat up the pan Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the veggies Add the diced shallot and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them until they’re nice and soft, around 2-3 minutes.
- Toast the orzo Add the orzo to the skillet and let it toast for a couple of minutes. This step brings out a nutty flavor, making the dish even more delicious.
- Add the liquid Pour in the vegetable broth, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well and bring it to a boil.
- Simmer Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally and cook until the orzo is al dente, which should take around 10 minutes. The broth should mostly absorb into the orzo.
- Stir in the creamy goodness Once the orzo is ready, stir in the artichoke hearts, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and spinach. Keep stirring until the spinach wilts and everything is nice and creamy.
- Taste and adjust Give it a taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. You can also sprinkle a little more parmesan on top if you’re feeling fancy!
Notes
- Watch the heat When cooking the orzo, be sure to stir it occasionally to avoid it sticking to the pan or burning. Also, don’t let the broth boil away too quickly before the orzo is done cooking.
- Adjust the consistency If the orzo looks too dry while cooking, add a little more broth to keep it creamy. You can always add more spinach if you like it extra green!
Serving Suggestions
This creamy dish pairs perfectly with a light salad, some garlic bread, or even roasted chicken. You can also serve it as a comforting side to a more elaborate meal or on its own for a cozy dinner.
Fun Fact
Did you know that artichokes are actually part of the thistle family? These nutrient-packed veggies are not only delicious but also full of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins! Who knew something so tasty could also be so healthy?
Conclusion
This Spinach & Artichoke Orzo is definitely one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s comforting, creamy, and the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving it at a family dinner, it’s sure to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients and enjoy this bowl of goodness you won’t regret it!
