Orzo Spinach Stuffing

Transform your holiday table or weeknight dinner with this vibrant and flavorful Orzo Spinach Stuffing, a unique twist on traditional stuffing recipes. Packed with tender orzo pasta, sautéed aromatic onions and garlic, and nutrient-rich baby spinach, this dish is elevated with a savory broth and a touch of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, irresistible finish. Seasoned with dried thyme, a hint of butter, and fresh parsley garnish, it offers a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy side dish is versatile enough to complement roasted meats or stand alone as a vegetarian favorite. Perfect for meal prep, entertaining, or creating a festive centerpiece, this recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your repertoire. Keywords: Orzo Spinach Stuffing, easy holiday side dish, vegetarian stuffing recipe, pasta stuffing, spinach side dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 5 cups Baby spinach
• 1.5 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 teaspoons Dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions (about 7-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4

Gradually add the baby spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5

Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Stir in the cooked orzo, grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly combined.

Step 7

Cook the mixture over low heat for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the stuffing reaches a cohesive consistency.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Transfer the orzo spinach stuffing to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm as a side dish or use it as a stuffing for poultry.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	936.5 grams (936.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1451

Total Fat 68.50g	88%
Saturated Fat 26.50g	133%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 102mg	34%
Sodium 3279mg	143%
Total Carbohydrate 171.40g	62%
Dietary Fiber 17.00g	61%
Total Sugars 9.20g
Protein 49.10g	98%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 703mg	54%
Iron 14mg	77%
Potassium 345mg	7%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.1%

Protein: 13.1%

Carbs: 45.8%