Elegant Orzo with Wilted Spinach and Pine Nuts

Elegant Orzo with Wilted Spinach and Pine Nuts
  • PREP TIME
    15 mins
  • COOK TIME
    15 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    30 mins
  • SERVING
    8 People
  • VIEWS
    842

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.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

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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Image Step 01
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)

Image Step 02
02 Step

Recipe View 2 mins Drain the orzo well and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Set aside to cool slightly. (2 minutes)

Image Step 03
03 Step

Recipe View 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)

Image Step 04
04 Step

Recipe View 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)

Image Step 05
05 Step

Recipe View 3 mins Add the pine nuts to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until they are lightly toasted and golden brown. (3-5 minutes)

Image Step 06
06 Step

Recipe View 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)

Image Step 07
07 Step

Recipe View 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)

Image Step 08
08 Step

Recipe View 2 mins Transfer the orzo mixture to serving plates. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped tomatoes. (2 minutes)

Image Step 09
09 Step

Recipe View 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.

Cary Abbott

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.5/ 5 ( 280 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (8)
  • Sandrine Greenfelder

    I'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

    This is a great base recipe that can be easily customized. I've added roasted vegetables, different cheeses, and even pesto.

  • Adelle Daniel

    This recipe is so easy and flavorful! I made it for a weeknight dinner, and everyone loved it.

  • Michelle Christiansen

    I love how quickly this comes together. Perfect for a busy weeknight!

  • Rogers Jacobi

    Such a simple yet elegant dish. Perfect for entertaining!

  • Josue Stoltenberg

    I tried this with gluten-free orzo, and it worked perfectly!

  • Lela Brown

    The pine nuts add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor. Don't skip them!

  • Jimmy Oconnell

    The balsamic vinegar adds a lovely tanginess that really complements the feta and spinach.

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