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

Scale

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)

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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.