Are you a fan of one-pan meals? I sure am! They save so much time and mess, leaving you with a delicious dish and minimal cleanup. If you love creamy pasta with a little kick, this creamy orzo with spinach and chorizo will become a family favorite in no time. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make plus, you can get it on the table in less than 30 minutes! Whether you’re cooking for 4 or just yourself, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Method in Detail
Pan-Fry the Chorizo
Begin by heating a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the pan is warm, add the chorizo. Cook it for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it crisps up and releases its flavorful oils. The chorizo will start to brown and give off a delicious aroma this is the base of all the rich flavors that will develop in the dish.
Add Garlic, Salt, and Pepper
Once the chorizo has crisped up, add the chopped garlic, along with a generous pinch of salt and pepper, to the pan. Stir the ingredients together and let them cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. The garlic will become fragrant and slightly golden, infusing the oils from the chorizo with a savory depth of flavor. This is the moment where the dish really begins to come together.
Add Chicken Stock
Next, pour in the chicken stock. If you’re using stock cubes or pots, like I did, be sure to dissolve them properly by stirring them into the liquid. Bring the stock to a simmer over medium-high heat, allowing it to bubble gently. Let this cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors blend and the stock reduces slightly. During this time, the orzo will start to cook, soaking up the delicious stock and becoming tender.
Stir in Philadelphia Light Cream Cheese
Once the stock has reduced and the flavors are starting to meld, it’s time to turn the heat down to low, or even turn it off completely. Add in the Philadelphia light cream cheese and stir it into the stock. As you stir, the cheese will slowly melt and combine with the liquid, transforming the sauce into a smooth, creamy texture. This step gives the dish its rich, velvety consistency.
Add Spinach and Stir Until Wilte
Finally, toss in a handful of fresh spinach. Stir it into the creamy sauce, ensuring the spinach wilts down and becomes fully incorporated. The spinach will add a burst of color and a touch of freshness to the dish, while also contributing some extra nutrients. Continue stirring until the spinach is completely wilted, and you’re left with a beautifully creamy dish.
Necessary Tools
- Large frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife for chopping garlic
Creamy Orzo with Spinach and Chorizo
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes20
minutes25
minutesIngredients
140g chorizo
350g of orzo pasta (You could use rice instead, but it might take a bit longer to cook!)
3 garlic cloves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Handful of spinach
900ml chicken stock
1 heaped tbsp Philadelphia light cream cheese
Directions
- Start by pan-frying the chorizo in a large frying pan for about 2 minutes until it gets crispy and releases its tasty oils.
- Add the chopped garlic along with salt and pepper to the pan. Stir it all together and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Your kitchen is about to smell AMAZING!
- Pour in the chicken stock I used two stock pots to make this nice and flavorful. Let it bubble on a medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the stock to reduce and the flavors to combine.
- Turn the heat down to low or off and stir in the Philadelphia light cream cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
- Add the spinach and stir it in until it wilts into the sauce.
Notes
- Make sure to stir the chicken stock while it bubbles to avoid it sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- When adding the Philadelphia light cream cheese, be sure to turn the heat down low to prevent it from curdling or separating.
- If you use rice instead of orzo, make sure to check the cooking instructions, as rice might take longer to cook through.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with a fresh green salad for extra veggies.
- A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch of richness.
- Serve with crusty bread on the side to soak up any extra sauce!
Fun Fact
Did you know that orzo is technically a type of pasta, but it’s shaped like a grain of rice? It’s perfect for creamy dishes like this one because it soaks up all the flavors and adds a little texture to each bite.
Conclusion
This creamy orzo with spinach and chorizo is a dream for any busy night or when you just want something comforting yet simple. With minimal fuss and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for busy cooks and anyone who loves a creamy dish with a twist. Enjoy!
