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If you’re in search of a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with nutrition, look no further than Zesty Lemon Spinach Orzo Delight. This delightful dish combines the comfort of orzo pasta with the fresh, zesty notes of lemon and the wholesome goodness of spinach, making it a standout choice for lunch or dinner. Not only is it quick to whip up, but it can also cater to various dietary preferences—whether you're seeking a dairy-free option or a vegan meal, this recipe has you covered.

Creamy Orzo with Lemon & Spinach

Discover the vibrant flavors of Zesty Lemon Spinach Orzo Delight, a delicious and nutritious meal that's easy to prepare! This dish combines tender orzo pasta with the freshness of spinach and the bright zest of lemon, making it perfect for any lunch or dinner. Packed with essential nutrients, it's adaptable to various dietary preferences, whether you prefer dairy-free or vegan options. Cook it with fresh ingredients and enjoy a satisfying, flavorful experience that brings joy to your table.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

4 cups vegetable broth (or water for a lighter option)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan substitute)

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a rolling boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture (about 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain and set aside, making sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid to use later.

    Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.

      Add Spinach: Gradually stir in the roughly chopped spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted down significantly, releasing its moisture and flavor.

        Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine evenly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce appears too thick, use a splash of the reserved orzo cooking liquid to reach your preferred consistency.

          Combine Orzo and Sauce: Carefully fold the cooked orzo into the creamy spinach mixture. Stir gently until the orzo is fully coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.

            Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the dish warm, adorned with freshly chopped parsley for color and a sprinkle of extra lemon zest for a burst of freshness, if desired.

              - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 25 mins | Serves 4

                Enjoy the delightful blend of zesty lemon and savory spinach in every bite!