Description
Tuscan White Bean Parmesan Orzo is a creamy one-pot Mediterranean-inspired dish made with tender orzo pasta, white beans, spinach, and Parmesan cheese for a comforting and quick vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups spinach or kale
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Pour in broth and add Italian seasoning, stirring occasionally as the orzo cooks.
- Cook until the orzo is tender and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Add the drained white beans and stir until heated through.
- Add spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and optional heavy cream for extra richness.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice or red pepper flakes.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Add extra broth if the mixture becomes too thick while cooking or reheating.
- Do not overcook orzo to maintain a creamy risotto-like texture.
- Parmesan can be substituted with a vegetarian hard cheese if needed.
- Sun-dried tomatoes or pesto can enhance flavor.
- Best served fresh but reheats well with added liquid.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
