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Easy • Vegetarian

Speedy White Bean and Spinach Orzo

A creamy, satisfying vegetarian orzo dish featuring cannellini beans, fresh spinach, and a hint of lemon, ready in minutes.

Prep
5 min
Cook
15 min
Servings
3
Level
Easy
Speedy White Bean and Spinach Orzo

When you need a meal on the table in a flash, but don't want to compromise on flavor or comfort, this Speedy White Bean and Spinach Orzo is your new best friend! It's a luscious, creamy, and super satisfying dish that's surprisingly easy to whip up. Packed with protein from the beans and freshness from the spinach, it's a vegetarian dream come true. Get ready to impress yourself!

Ingredients

Yield: 3 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 5 oz fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion (if using) and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  2. Step 2

    Stir in the orzo pasta, coating it in the oil and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

  3. Step 3

    Add the rinsed cannellini beans and fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down, which should only take 1-2 minutes. The residual heat will cook it perfectly.

  4. Step 4

    Remove from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. If the orzo is too thick, add a splash more broth or water.

  5. Step 5

    Serve immediately in warm bowls, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your speedy, satisfying meal!

Tips

  • To boost the protein, stir in cooked, shredded chicken or chickpeas at the end.
  • A touch of cream cheese or heavy cream can be added with the Parmesan for extra richness.
  • Feel free to swap cannellini beans for other white beans like great northern or navy beans.

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