Nothing beats a simple, comforting dish that brings vibrant flavors and bright colors to the table. This Easy Buttered Orzo with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe combines tender orzo pasta simmered in flavorful broth with luscious melted butter, fresh garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and bright green spinach. Each bite is a delightful mix of creamy richness, sweet bursts of tomato, and the earthy taste of fresh herbs. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a side that impresses without too much fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for an easy yet satisfying pasta dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Easy Buttered Orzo with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe, all you need are simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role. Together, they create a harmony of flavors and textures — from buttery smoothness to the vibrant pop of tomatoes and the healthy green bite of spinach.
- 1 cup Orzo pasta: Choose a good-quality orzo to ensure perfect tender bites that hold up well in the dish.
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter: Melts into the orzo and garlic for creamy richness without overpowering the flavors.
- 4 cups Vegetable or chicken broth: Cooking the orzo in broth adds layers of savory flavor that water just can’t match.
- 2 cups Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and nutrition, stirred in last to wilt gently without losing its fresh bite.
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy, sweet bursts of freshness in every forkful.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced and sautéed to infuse the dish with aromatic depth and warmth.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil or parsley: Chopped and tossed in at the end to brighten the dish with herby freshness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to bring out and balance all the other flavors beautifully.
How to Make Easy Buttered Orzo with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo to Perfection
Start by bringing the broth to a boil and seasoning it with salt to enhance every bite of the orzo. Add the orzo to the boiling broth and cook until it’s just al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Using broth instead of water makes all the difference, infusing the pasta with savory depth right from the start.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
While the orzo cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and cook just until it’s fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. This simple step creates a luscious, buttery, garlicky base that will coat the orzo for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Combine Orzo and Butter Garlic Mixture
Drain the orzo, but be sure to save a little bit of the cooking broth. Stir the orzo into the skillet with the melted butter and garlic, adding the reserved broth gradually. This keeps everything silky and creamy without needing extra cream, turning the orzo into a rich, luscious bed for the vegetables.
Step 4: Fold in Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes
Gently fold fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes into the warm orzo mixture. Cook just 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts but still stays bright green, and the tomatoes soften slightly but still pop with juice. This step ensures the veggies retain their freshness and add delicious texture.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat and season to taste with salt and pepper. Finish by tossing in the chopped basil or parsley. This final touch introduces a burst of herbal brightness that balances the richness and gives the dish a freshness you’ll love.
How to Serve Easy Buttered Orzo with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese on top. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness and contrast that makes the flavors pop even more. Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch if you want texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This Easy Buttered Orzo with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe works beautifully alongside simply grilled chicken, seared salmon, or even a hearty vegetable stew. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs perfectly, balancing out the richness of the buttery orzo with fresh, crunchy greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the orzo in small bowls or ramekins garnished with fresh herbs and colorful cherry tomatoes. Alternatively, layer it in a clear casserole dish and top with a sprinkle of cheese and herbs for a family-style presentation that’s as inviting as it is delicious. For a party, spoon the orzo onto individual lettuce leaves or endive leaves to create elegant, bite-sized servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because this recipe is butter-rich and includes fresh vegetables, it reheats beautifully with a little added broth or water to loosen the pasta and help maintain its creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for this dish since the spinach and tomatoes can become watery and mushy when thawed. However, if you must, freeze in a tightly sealed container and consume within one month. Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.
Reheating
Reheat the leftover orzo gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently to restore that creamy buttery texture, and finish with a fresh sprinkle of herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
FAQs
Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale, Swiss chard, or arugula work well in this recipe. Just add them later in the cooking process so they don’t overcook and retain their fresh flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply swap the butter out for a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth. Nutritional yeast can take the place of cheese if you decide to add a garnish.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?
Cooking the orzo in plenty of broth, stirring occasionally, and draining it well helps prevent sticking. Tossing it immediately with the butter and garlic mixture also keeps it coated and smooth.
Can this dish be served cold?
While it’s best warm and creamy, this orzo dish can be served at room temperature as a pasta salad. Just add a little extra olive oil and perhaps some lemon juice to brighten it up.
How do I add protein to this meal?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed tofu fold in beautifully for a more complete meal. You can also toss in chickpeas or cannellini beans for a vegetarian boost.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Buttered Orzo with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe enough for anyone who loves quick, flavorful dishes that feel both cozy and fresh. With just a handful of accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, you get a meal that’s bursting with color, taste, and that homestyle comfort we all crave. So go ahead and give it a try — your weeknight dinners are about to get a whole lot tastier!
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Easy Buttered Orzo with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Buttered Orzo with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes is a delightful, quick-cooking pasta dish that combines tender orzo with creamy butter and garlicky goodness, brightened by fresh spinach and sweet cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, this recipe is infused with fresh herbs and seasoned to perfection, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a simple side dish.
Ingredients
Orzo Pasta & Broth
- 1 cup Orzo pasta (Choose a good-quality orzo for perfect tender bites)
- 4 cups Vegetable or chicken broth (Use broth instead of water for added flavor)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 cups Fresh spinach (Adds vibrant color; stir in just before serving)
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved (Juicy sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (For garnishing)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (Sautéed for fragrance)
Other
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (Melts into the orzo for creamy richness)
- Salt, to taste (Essential for seasoning)
- Pepper, to taste (Essential for seasoning)
Instructions
- Boil Orzo: In a large pot filled with salted boiling broth, cook the orzo until it is al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Cooking in broth enhances the flavor of the pasta.
- Prepare Butter-Garlic Mixture: While the orzo cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, allowing the garlic to infuse the butter with rich flavor.
- Drain Orzo: Once the orzo is cooked, drain it, reserving a small splash of the cooking broth to add creaminess later.
- Combine Orzo and Butter: Add the drained orzo to the skillet with the butter and garlic. Stir together, adding the reserved broth a little at a time until the orzo reaches a creamy consistency.
- Add Vegetables: Fold in the fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are just warmed through, preserving their freshness and flavor.
- Season and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then toss in the chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using broth instead of water adds depth of flavor.
- Reserve some cooking liquid to keep the orzo creamy without adding extra butter or oil.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil.
- You can add grated Parmesan on top for extra richness if dairy is acceptable.
- Be careful not to overcook the spinach; it should just wilt to maintain vibrant color and nutrients.
