Orzo with Speedy Spinach Sauce
(Two Guiding Stars)
- Serves 4
- Active Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Baby spinach is quickly sauted with olive oil and chopped garlic and tossed with orzo (a rice-shaped pasta). If you can't find baby spinach, substitute regular spinach that's washed and well dried, with the stems removed.
- 1 lb. orzo or other small, shaped pasta
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 (7-oz.) pkg. Taste of Inspirations' baby spinach, washed and dried
- ½ tsp. salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- In a large pot, bring 1 gallon very hot tap water to a boil over high heat. When water boils, sprinkle in 4 tsp. salt, then add orzo. Stir pasta well and cook 7 to 9 minutes, stirring once or twice, until just tender, or al dente.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp. of the oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Add spinach in handfuls, stirring well to make sure it all fits in skillet. Cook, stirring, for about 2 to 3 minutes until spinach is soft. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain orzo and place in a large serving bowl. Add spinach and any juices from skillet, remaining 3 Tbsp. olive oil, and cheese. Stir well. Taste for seasoning. Serve immediately.
APPROXIMATE NUTRITIONAL VALUES PER SERVING: 620 CALORIES, 96G CARBOHYDRATES, 22G PROTEIN, 18G FAT (4G SATURATED), 10MG CHOLESTEROL, 840MG SODIUM, 8G FIBER
