Parmesan & Spinach Orzo

By LKovac

Parmesan and Spinach Orzo is a perfect side dish for pork roasts or grilled chicken -- or just about anything! The orzo is mixed with a classic white sauce, spinach and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Details

Adapted from damndelicious.net

Preparation

Step 1

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook orzo according to package instructions; drain well.

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until onions have become translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, and cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until melted, about 1 minute. Add orzo and gently toss to combine; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Serve immediately.