Creamy Toasted Onion, Spinach and Parmesan Orzo

I am so excited to share this deliciously easy recipe for the perfect side dish!  I am in so in love with the shape and texture of orzo.  They key though is to cook this until it's al dente – meaning that it still has a chewy bite to it.  The last thing you want is a soggy pot of pasta.  And although orzo is considered pasta,  this somehow feels like a rice dish.  ...an amped up rice dish that is so easy to make and comes out perfect every single time.  I always have the ingredients to make this on hand so this has become a regular in my kitchen.  And I never hear any complaints – it is so good!

 

Ingredients:

1 Box Orzo Pasta

1 Bag Fresh Spinach

1/2 Stick Butter

1 Medium Onion, chopped

1 Clove Garlic, minced (or 1 Tablespoon Jarred Garlic)

1 Half Pint Heavy Cream

Heaping 1/2 Cup Fresh Parmesan Cheese {plus a few extra tablespoons}

1 Teaspoon Ground Sage

Salt and Pepper to Taste

 

 

 

{In a large pot of GENEROUSLY salted water, cook your orzo.}

 

 

{While your pasta cooks, chop your fresh spinach and set aside.}

{Be sure to set a timer and cook your orzo according to the package directions for al dente pasta! Mine cooked for 9 minutes.}

{Once cooked, drain the orzo, add the spinach and set aside.  The hot pasta will wilt and slightly cook the spinach.}

{Next, in a large sauce pan over medium heat, start to sauté your chopped onion in the butter.  Let them begin to brown for about 5 minutes then add your garlic. Season with salt and pepper.}

{Reduce the heat to medium low and let the onions and garlic get brown and toasty.  This will take about another 7 minutes or so.}

{Once the onions and garlic are fragrant and toasty, add in your heavy cream and let it bubble and thicken for a minute or so.}

{Add in your parmesan cheese and ground sage. Mix it well and let it cook for a minute more.}

{The cheesy cream sauce will thicken nicely.  Next add in your orzo and spinach mixture.}

{Add in a few more tablespoons of parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.}

{Mix well to combine / taste for seasoning.}

{Top with another sprinkle of parmesan, serve and ENJOY! Look at those brown toasted onion bits.  Little bursts of flavor. Yum!}

This is a really addicting dish with TONS of flavor.  I am not exaggerating when I say I could probably eat an entire pot.  LOL!  It pairs perfectly with any main dish {especially grilled salmon, yum!}, although I have eaten it on its own and was completely satisfied!

 

xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥