If you’re searching for a side dish that’s as comforting as it is vibrant, the Easy Buttered Orzo with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is absolutely worth making. This dish brings together tender orzo pasta swimming in golden butter, fresh spinach adding a wonderful pop of green, and juicy cherry tomatoes that burst with natural sweetness. It’s a quick and effortless recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or freshness. Whether you want a simple weeknight side or something to impress guests, this recipe offers a harmony of colors, textures, and tastes that truly delight the senses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Buttered Orzo with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a special role in creating that perfect balance between creamy, savory, and fresh. Using quality staples ensures your dish turns out flavorful and visually inviting.
- 1 cup Orzo pasta: Choose a good-quality orzo for perfect tender bites that soak up all the buttery goodness.
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter: Melts beautifully into the orzo for a creamy richness that feels indulgent yet simple.
- 4 cups Vegetable or chicken broth: Using broth instead of water adds an invisible layer of deep flavor throughout the dish.
- 2 cups Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a mild, earthy taste; stir in just before serving to keep it bright.
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy sweetness that complements the buttery base perfectly.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced and sautéed, bringing that warm, aromatic foundation that ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil or parsley: Chopped for a fresh, herbal garnish that lifts every forkful.
- Salt to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Pepper to taste: Adds a subtle kick to finish the dish.
How to Make Easy Buttered Orzo with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo to Perfection
Begin by bringing the vegetable or chicken broth to a rolling boil in a large pot. Adding a pinch of salt to the broth helps season the orzo as it cooks. Drop in your orzo pasta and let it simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s delightfully al dente—meaning it retains a slight bite. This ensures that the orzo will hold up beautifully when mixed with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter
While the orzo cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the butter with that irresistible, savory garlic aroma which becomes the heart of the dish.
Step 3: Combine Orzo and Garlic Butter
Once the orzo is cooked, drain it carefully but reserve a small splash of the broth. Returning the orzo to the skillet, stir it into the fragrant butter and garlic mixture. Gradually add the reserved broth—this helps create a luscious, silky texture as the liquids and butter meld with the pasta. Keep stirring until the orzo looks creamy and inviting.
Step 4: Fold in Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes
Gently fold in the fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir the mixture over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes so that the spinach wilts just enough to become tender, while the tomatoes warm through but still hold their juicy sweetness. This keeps both ingredients fresh and vibrant, maintaining the dish’s beautiful color contrast.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Remove the pan from the heat and season your Easy Buttered Orzo with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes Recipe generously with salt and pepper. To finish it off, toss in the chopped fresh basil or parsley—these herbs add a bright, fresh pop to every bite, making the dish feel complete and utterly satisfying.
How to Serve Easy Buttered Orzo with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of rich, salty goodness. A few lemon zest flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil can elevate the flavors even more, making the dish feel upscale and refreshing.
Side Dishes
This orzo dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared fish, or a simple roasted vegetable medley. Its light yet buttery nature complements hearty mains without overpowering them, making it versatile for weeknight meals and dinner parties alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Easy Buttered Orzo with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes Recipe in a colorful ceramic bowl to showcase its vibrant greens and reds. For dinner parties, spoon portions into individual ramekins topped with extra herbs and a cherry tomato half for an elegant touch that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop nicely after resting, though the spinach might settle, so give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended as the delicate spinach and tomatoes may become mushy and lose their texture once thawed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to avoid sticking or drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the dish’s luscious texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach is preferred for this recipe because it retains its vibrant color and texture better. However, if using frozen spinach, thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding to avoid excess moisture.
Is vegetable broth better than chicken broth for this recipe?
Either broth works wonderfully; chicken broth adds a richer, savory depth, while vegetable broth keeps the dish lighter and vegetarian-friendly. Choose based on your dietary preferences and flavor goals.
Can I add protein to make this a complete meal?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu work beautifully tossed on top or mixed in for a satisfying, protein-packed plate without losing the dish’s freshness.
What if I don’t have butter on hand?
Olive oil can be used as a substitute for butter, but it will change the flavor slightly. Butter adds that dreamy creaminess that balances the acidic tomatoes and fresh spinach best.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based vegan butter and use vegetable broth. Skip any cheese garnishes or use a vegan alternative to keep it fully plant-based and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Easy Buttered Orzo with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep coming back to. It’s quick, delightful, and full of comforting flavor that feels both wholesome and special. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a simple way to enjoy fresh vegetables and buttery pasta in one joyful bite. Don’t wait—give this recipe a try and see just how irresistible simple ingredients can be when they come together in harmony.
Print
Easy Buttered Orzo with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Buttered Orzo with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes is a quick and flavorful stovetop pasta dish that combines tender orzo cooked in savory broth with buttery garlic, fresh spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side, this recipe delivers creamy texture and fresh herbaceous notes in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Orzo and Broth
- 1 cup Orzo pasta (Choose a good-quality orzo for perfect tender bites.)
- 4 cups Vegetable or chicken broth (Use broth instead of water for added flavor.)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 cups Fresh spinach (Adds vibrant color; stir in just before serving.)
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (Halved for juicy sweetness.)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil or parsley (Chopped for garnishing.)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced and sautéed.)
Dairy and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (Melts into the orzo for creamy richness.)
- Salt, to taste (Essential for seasoning.)
- Pepper, to taste (Essential for seasoning.)
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: In a large pot of salted boiling vegetable or chicken broth, cook the orzo until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Garlic: While the orzo cooks, melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Combine Ingredients: Drain the cooked orzo, reserving a splash of the cooking broth. Stir the orzo into the skillet with the butter and garlic, adding a bit of the reserved broth gradually until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
- Add Vegetables: Fold in the fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly.
- Season and Garnish: Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then toss in the chopped fresh basil or parsley. Mix thoroughly and serve warm.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian, or chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Reserve some cooking broth before draining to ensure the orzo mixture remains creamy and doesn’t dry out.
- Fresh herbs can be swapped for dried; use about 1 teaspoon if dried.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness if desired.
- The dish can be served as a main for a light meal or as a side to grilled meats or fish.
