Warm Lemon-Garlic Orzo with Spinach

A simple, vibrant bowl of orzo pasta infused with the freshness of lemon and the warmth of garlic, complemented by tender spinach. Perfect for a quick comfort meal.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 15 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Begin by bringing a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1/2 cup of orzo pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. The pasta should be firm to the bite but cooked through. Drain the orzo and set aside, reserving a tablespoon of the pasta water to enhance the dish later.
2. 2.
   In a small skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add 1 clove of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic gently for 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden—but be careful not to let it brown, as this will make it bitter. If it starts to darken too quickly, lower the heat immediately.
3. 3.
   Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh spinach. Cook the spinach for about 2 minutes, just until wilted. You're looking for a bright green color and a soft texture. If the skillet seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help steam the spinach. This not only prevents it from sticking but also helps meld the flavors together.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked orzo to the skillet. Stir well to combine, making sure the orzo is evenly coated with the garlic oil and spinach. Add the juice of 1/2 a lemon for brightness and stir thoroughly. The lemon juice should create a light sauce that coats the orzo.
5. 5.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, and for added richness, consider a light drizzle of more olive oil on top. If the dish seems too dry, a touch more lemon juice or reserved pasta water can help achieve the desired consistency.