Garlic Spinach Orzo with Toasted Pine Nuts
This Garlic Spinach Orzo with Toasted Pine Nuts is a delightful and healthy dish that's packed with flavor and nutrients. The orzo pasta, cooked to perfection, serves as a wonderful base for the vibrant spinach and the crunchy, toasted pine nuts. Finished with a hint of garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect as a side or a light meal for lunch or dinner, this recipe is low in cholesterol and easy to prepare. Share it with friends and family for a wholesome dining experience!
2
Servings
190
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pine nuts
1 (tablespoon)
Margarine
1 (teaspoon)
Garlic
1 (clove, minced)
Water
1 3/4 (cups)
Orzo pasta
3/4 (cup, uncooked)
Salt
1/8 (teaspoon)
Fresh spinach
1 (cup, tightly packed and chopped)
Parmesan cheese
2 (tablespoons, grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pine nuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become lightly golden.
2
In a medium saucepan, melt the margarine over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
3
Pour in the water, followed by the uncooked orzo and salt. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the saucepan. Cook for approximately 13 minutes, or until the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, and the toasted pine nuts. Mix thoroughly until the spinach wilts slightly and everything is well combined. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
6
Serve warm, and enjoy your nutritious Garlic Spinach Orzo!
Nutrition Information
8.5g
Fat
23.5g
Carbs
5.5g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Spinach Orzo with Toasted Pine Nuts?
It is a healthy, flavorful dish featuring orzo pasta, fresh spinach, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 2 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 190 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains 8.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 23.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this orzo dish provide?
It provides 5.5g of protein per serving.
How much fiber is in the recipe?
There is 1.5g of fiber per serving.
Is this recipe low in cholesterol?
Yes, the recipe is specifically noted as being low in cholesterol.
What temperature should the oven be for toasting pine nuts?
Preheat your oven to 350%F (175%C).
How long do the pine nuts need to toast?
Toast them for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
How much pine nuts are required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of pine nuts.
What kind of fat is used for sautéing the garlic?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of margarine.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be minced.
How much water is needed for the orzo?
The recipe requires 1 3/4 cups of water.
How much orzo pasta is used?
You will need 3/4 cup of uncooked orzo pasta.
How long does the orzo take to cook?
The orzo takes approximately 13 minutes to cook once the heat is reduced to medium-low.
How much salt should I add?
Use 1/8 teaspoon of salt, plus additional to taste at the end.
What kind of spinach is recommended?
Fresh spinach is used in this recipe.
How should the spinach be prepped?
The spinach should be tightly packed and chopped.
How much spinach is needed?
You will need 1 cup of fresh spinach.
What kind of cheese is added to the dish?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
When should I add the spinach?
Stir in the spinach after the orzo has finished cooking and you have removed the saucepan from the heat.
Do I need to cook the spinach separately?
No, the spinach will wilt slightly from the heat of the cooked orzo when stirred in.
Should the saucepan be covered during cooking?
Yes, cover the saucepan while the orzo simmers for about 13 minutes.
Is this recipe vegan?
It is tagged as vegan-friendly, though standard Parmesan cheese is not vegan, so a vegan alternative should be used.
Can this be served as a main meal?
Yes, it is suitable as a light meal for lunch or dinner.
How do I know when the orzo is done?
The orzo is done when it has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe.
What are the tags for this recipe?
Tags include low cholesterol, healthy, vegan-friendly, orzo recipe, spinach, quick meal, easy recipe, pasta dish, and side dish.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Mix everything thoroughly and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.