Lemony Orzo and Spinach Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of our Lemony Orzo and Spinach Delight, inspired by the beloved Romano's Macaroni Grill. This quick and easy pasta dish marries the earthy taste of fresh spinach and radicchio with the richness of sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts. Brightened by zesty lemon and crowned with freshly grated parmesan, it's perfect for a lively weeknight dinner or as a refreshing chilled salad for summer gatherings. Customize it with your choice of proteins or enjoy it as a savory side, this dish is versatile enough to keep your palate pleased.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh spinach
4 ounces (julienne-shredded)
radicchio
1/2 small (julienne-cut)
pine nuts
1/4 cup (lightly toasted)
sun-dried tomatoes
1/3 cup (packed in oil and julienne cut)
capers
2 tablespoons
Niçoise olives
3 tablespoons (sliced)
orzo pasta
4 ounces (cooked al dente and drained)
garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
lemon
1 small (juice and zest of)
olive oil
1/4 cup (not extra virgin)
parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (freshly grated)
black pepper
to taste (freshly cracked)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly, being careful not to let it brown.
3
Stir in the lemon zest and juice, mixing well to combine the flavors.
4
Add the julienne-cut spinach and radicchio to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the greens are just wilted but still vibrant.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and add the cooked orzo, toasted pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and Niçoise olives, tossing everything together gently to combine.
6
Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed, keeping in mind that the parmesan will add saltiness.
7
Sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and toss once more to ensure an even coating.
8
For a finishing touch, garnish with freshly cracked pepper and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
9
Serve immediately hot, or allow to cool and serve chilled as a refreshing salad. Accompany with crusty bread and extra parmesan on the side for those who love a cheesy accent.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemony Orzo and Spinach Delight?
It is a vibrant pasta dish inspired by Romano's Macaroni Grill that features orzo, fresh spinach, radicchio, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the flavors of Romano's Macaroni Grill.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy pasta dish that is perfect for weeknight meals.
Can this dish be served cold?
Yes, it can be served hot immediately or allowed to cool and served as a refreshing chilled salad.
How should the fresh spinach be prepared?
The spinach should be julienne-shredded before being added to the dish.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of orzo pasta, cooked al dente.
How should the radicchio be cut?
The radicchio should be julienne-cut.
Do I need to toast the pine nuts?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of lightly toasted pine nuts.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes are best for this dish?
You should use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, and they should be julienne cut.
What type of olives are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of sliced Niçoise olives.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of olive oil that is not extra virgin.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
What parts of the lemon are used?
Both the juice and the zest of one small lemon are used to flavor the dish.
How long should I sauté the spinach and radicchio?
Sauté the greens for 1-2 minutes until they are just wilted but still vibrant.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
When should I add the parmesan cheese?
Sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and toss once the orzo and other ingredients are combined.
What garnish is recommended?
Garnish the dish with freshly cracked pepper and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and can be customized with your choice of proteins.
What should I serve on the side?
It is recommended to serve this dish with crusty bread and extra parmesan on the side.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe has an ingredient count of 12.
Are capers used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of capers are included in the mixture.
Is the garlic browned during sautéing?
No, you should sauté the garlic briefly and be careful not to let it brown.
How much orzo is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of orzo pasta.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Begin by cooking the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
Is this dish considered Mediterranean?
Yes, it is tagged as a Mediterranean recipe.
Should I adjust the salt in the recipe?
You should taste and adjust seasoning as needed, but keep in mind the parmesan will add saltiness.
How much spinach is used?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of fresh spinach.
What size lemon is needed?
The recipe calls for one small lemon.
Is this dish suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is excellent as a refreshing chilled salad for summer events.
What texture should the orzo have?
The orzo should be cooked until it is al dente.