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
Scale
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.
