Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Cheesy Spinach Orzo with White Beans! This dish has a special place in my heart because it’s one of those recipes I threw together on a busy weeknight when I was craving something creamy and comforting. I had some orzo lying around, a bit of fresh spinach, and a can of white beans that needed to be used up. I thought, why not combine them all? Wow, was that a delicious decision! The creamy cheese melts beautifully, coating every little piece of orzo, while the spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. Trust me, this dish is not only easy to whip up but also a delightful treat that’ll make you come back for seconds!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Cheesy Spinach Orzo with White Beans. Don’t worry, you probably have most of them in your pantry already!
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth if you prefer)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar work wonderfully)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for that aromatic kick!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to experiment a bit! You can swap in your favorite cheese or toss in any leftover veggies you have. It’s all about making it your own!
How to Prepare Cheesy Spinach Orzo with White Beans
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this delicious Cheesy Spinach Orzo with White Beans! Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Just follow my lead, and you’ll have a creamy, cheesy dish that’s sure to impress!
Step 1: Cook the Orzo Pasta
First things first, grab a pot and bring some salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. You want that perfect bite! Once it’s ready, drain it and set it aside, but don’t rinse it—the starch helps the sauce cling beautifully!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spinach
In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in the minced garlic (oh, the smell is heavenly!). Sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant—careful not to let it burn! Now, add in the 2 cups of fresh spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s wilted, which should take around 2-3 minutes. This step adds that lovely green color and nutrients!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Next, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the drained white beans and 1 cup of vegetable broth to the pan. Stir gently to combine, allowing the beans to heat through, which will take about 2 minutes. Then, mix in the cooked orzo, making sure everything is well combined and coated with that delicious broth. This is where the magic starts to happen!
Step 4: Add Cheese and Season
Now for the best part—cheese! Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce that envelops all the ingredients. I personally love using mozzarella for its gooeyness, but cheddar adds a nice sharpness too! Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last stir, and you’re ready to serve this delightful dish warm. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Spinach Orzo with White Beans is not just a meal; it’s a cozy hug on a plate! Here’s why it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Quick and easy preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and 25 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy and flavorful: The melty cheese combined with the savory broth creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats every bite of orzo beautifully.
- Packed with nutrients: Fresh spinach and hearty white beans provide a boost of vitamins and protein, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious!
- Versatile for adding more veggies: Feel free to throw in any veggies you have on hand—zucchini, bell peppers, or even kale. The more, the merrier!
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again!
Tips for Success
Want to make your Cheesy Spinach Orzo with White Beans even more amazing? Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure you nail this dish every time!
- Cheese choices: While I love mozzarella and cheddar, don’t be afraid to switch it up! Try a mix of gouda for creaminess or feta for a tangy twist. The world is your cheesy oyster!
- Don’t skip the salt: It’s essential for bringing out the flavors. Make sure your cooking water is salted when you boil the orzo, and adjust seasoning at the end to your taste.
- Fresh herbs: Adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley right before serving elevates the dish and adds a pop of color. It’s like a little green surprise!
- Cook the spinach just right: Be careful not to overcook the spinach; you want it to retain that vibrant green color and nutrients. Just wilt it until it’s tender, about 2-3 minutes!
- Make it a one-pan wonder: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can cook the orzo directly in the broth. Just add it in with the broth and beans and let it simmer until cooked. Less cleanup, more yum!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delicious, creamy Cheesy Spinach Orzo with White Beans. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for my delicious Cheesy Spinach Orzo with White Beans. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Sugar: 2g
This dish is not only comforting and cheesy but also packs a punch in terms of nutrition, especially with all that spinach and protein from the beans. Enjoy this hearty meal knowing you’re treating yourself well!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for this dish, you can substitute it with any small pasta like ditalini or even a gluten-free pasta if needed. Just keep an eye on the cooking times!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. It’s a fantastic meal prep option!
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Feel free to add herbs like oregano or thyme, or even a splash of lemon juice to brighten things up! A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick, too. Get creative!
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, it is! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It should last about 2-3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat!
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or even crumbled sausage would be fantastic additions. They’ll complement the creamy sauce and make it even more satisfying!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Storing your Cheesy Spinach Orzo with White Beans is super easy. Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight to keep all that creamy goodness intact!
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, reheating is a breeze. You can pop it in the microwave for a quick option—just add a splash of vegetable broth to keep it moist, cover it with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you prefer the stovetop, simply place it in a pan over low heat, adding a bit of broth or water to help loosen it up as it warms. Stir it gently until it’s heated evenly. Trust me, it’ll taste just as delightful as when you first made it!
Print
Cheesy Spinach Orzo with White Beans: 7 Delightful Tips
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy dish featuring orzo pasta, spinach, and white beans.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in white beans and vegetable broth.
- Add cooked orzo and mix well.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use any type of cheese you prefer.
- Can add more vegetables if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Cheesy Spinach Orzo, Orzo Pasta, Spinach Recipe, White Beans