Print

Leek, Pea & Spinach Orzo

Leek, Pea & Spinach Orzo
Print Recipe

A light, colorful, and nutritious Leek, Pea & Spinach Orzo dish combining tender orzo pasta with sweet peas, fresh spinach, and aromatic leeks. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a healthy meal that balances simplicity and vibrant flavors, ideal as a light lunch, side, or main dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Core Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 large leek, cleaned and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Clean and thinly slice the leek, mince the garlic. Shell fresh peas if using, or have frozen peas ready.
  2. Sauté the leek and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add sliced leek and garlic, cook gently for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Add liquid and orzo: Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in orzo pasta evenly, cover, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or according to package instructions.
  4. Stir in peas and spinach: When orzo is almost tender, fold in peas and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts and peas are heated through, preserving bright color and texture.
  5. Season and finish: Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and Parmesan cheese if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh leeks and clean thoroughly to remove dirt.
  • Lightly toast orzo before cooking for nuttier flavor.
  • Add spinach at the end to preserve color and nutrients.
  • Reserve some cooking liquid to loosen the dish if needed.
  • Add lemon juice gradually to balance acidity to your taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: leek, pea, spinach, orzo, quick recipe, healthy, vegetarian, gluten-free option, easy dinner, pasta, vegetable dish

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/leek-pea-spinach-orzo/