I Need a Recipe

Weeknight • Vegetarian

Cozy White Bean and Spinach Orzo

This comforting and creamy orzo dish, packed with white beans and spinach, is a perfect vegetarian weeknight meal.

Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Cozy White Bean and Spinach Orzo

In need of a warm, hug-in-a-bowl kind of dinner that's still light and healthy? Our Cozy White Bean and Spinach Orzo is exactly what you've been looking for. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a deliciously creamy, incredibly satisfying vegetarian meal. It's quick to make and oh-so-comforting, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a little culinary pick-me-up.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 (15-oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 5 oz fresh baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional, for serving

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

  2. Step 2

    Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add the orzo pasta, stirring well to prevent sticking.

  3. Step 3

    Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a splash more broth or water.

  4. Step 4

    Stir in the rinsed cannellini beans and fresh baby spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the spinach has wilted completely.

  5. Step 5

    Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips

  • Stirring the orzo frequently while it cooks helps prevent it from clumping at the bottom of the pot.
  • For an extra creamy texture, a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese can be added at the end with the Parmesan.

More recipes you'll love

Creamy Tomato Chickpea Curry
Weeknight•35 min
Creamy Tomato Chickpea Curry

A rich and fragrant vegetarian curry packed with chickpeas and tomatoes in a luscious, spiced coconut sauce.

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
Easy•20 min
Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

Flavorful black beans and sweet corn are layered with melty cheese in crispy tortillas for a quick, satisfying meal.