Orzo and Spinach Sort of Romano's Macaroni Grill Style

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this creamy, flavorful Orzo and Spinach dish, inspired by the iconic flavors of Romano's Macaroni Grill. This easy, one-pan recipe combines tender orzo pasta cooked in chicken or vegetable broth with rich, velvety heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a decadent, restaurant-worthy experience. Fresh spinach adds a nutritious touch, while garlic, lemon juice, and optional red pepper flakes bring bold, zesty notes that perfectly balance the dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comfort food favorite is perfect for busy nights or casual entertaining, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley provides the perfect final flourish. Whether served as a standalone vegetarian entrée or paired with grilled chicken or shrimp, this recipe is a delicious, hassle-free way to enjoy classic Italian-inspired flavors at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess liquid if necessary and set aside.

Step 2

While the orzo is cooking, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.

Step 4

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the cooked orzo, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 6

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the orzo and spinach.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1037.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1722.5

Total Fat 96.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 48.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 230.3mg	0%
Sodium 3501.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 162.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.2g	0%
Total Sugars 5.0g
Protein 47.9g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 643.4mg	0%
Iron 11.8mg	0%
Potassium 166.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.6%

Protein: 11.2%

Carbs: 38.1%