Elegant Orzo with Wilted Spinach and Pine Nuts
A Mediterranean-inspired orzo dish featuring delicate pasta, vibrant spinach, toasted pine nuts, creamy feta, and a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect as a light lunch or a sophisticated side.
Nutrition
-
Carbohydrate
49 g
-
Cholesterol
33 mg
-
Fiber
4 g
-
Protein
17 g
-
Saturated Fat
10 g
-
Sodium
514 mg
-
Sugar
3 g
-
Fat
33 g
-
Unsaturated Fat
0 g
DIRECTIONS
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01 Step
Recipe View
8 mins
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. (8-10 minutes)
02 Step
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2 mins
Drain the orzo well and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Set aside to cool slightly. (2 minutes)
03 Step
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2 mins
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is shimmering. (2 minutes)
04 Step
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0 mins
Add the minced garlic, dried basil, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. (30 seconds)
05 Step
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3 mins
Add the pine nuts to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until they are lightly toasted and golden brown. (3-5 minutes)
06 Step
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3 mins
Add the baby spinach to the skillet. Cover and cook until the spinach is wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even wilting. (3-5 minutes)
07 Step
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2 mins
Pour the spinach mixture over the cooked orzo in the mixing bowl. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the orzo is well coated with the flavorful oil and spinach. (2 minutes)
08 Step
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2 mins
Transfer the orzo mixture to serving plates. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped tomatoes. (2 minutes)
09 Step
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Season with sea salt to taste, if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Toast the pine nuts carefully, as they can burn quickly. Keep a close eye on them and stir frequently.
For a richer flavor, try using brown butter instead of regular butter.
Feel free to add other vegetables, such as sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts, to the spinach mixture.
If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use a spoonful of tomato paste for a concentrated tomato flavor.
This dish can be served warm or cold, making it perfect for meal prepping.
RECIPE REVIEWS
Avarage Rating:
4.5/ 5 ( 280 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (8)
Sandrine Greenfelder
Dec 30, 2024I've made this several times, and it's always a hit. I sometimes add a little bit of lemon zest for extra brightness.
Hal Conn
Aug 14, 2024This is a great base recipe that can be easily customized. I've added roasted vegetables, different cheeses, and even pesto.
Adelle Daniel
Jan 30, 2024This recipe is so easy and flavorful! I made it for a weeknight dinner, and everyone loved it.
Michelle Christiansen
Nov 20, 2023I love how quickly this comes together. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Rogers Jacobi
Sep 23, 2023Such a simple yet elegant dish. Perfect for entertaining!
Josue Stoltenberg
Jul 5, 2023I tried this with gluten-free orzo, and it worked perfectly!
Lela Brown
Sep 13, 2022The pine nuts add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor. Don't skip them!
Jimmy Oconnell
Aug 6, 2022The balsamic vinegar adds a lovely tanginess that really complements the feta and spinach.