Description
This Cottage Cheese Orzo recipe is a simple, creamy, and nutritious dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Combining tender orzo pasta with fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and rich cottage cheese, it delivers a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Enhanced with garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Dairy
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the orzo and set it aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts completely.
- Cook Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes with the spinach and garlic. Cook them for approximately 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked orzo to the pan with the spinach and tomatoes. Stir in the cottage cheese, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well to ensure the cheese melts slightly and the flavors meld.
- Serve: Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh spinach leaves if desired. Serve the dish warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese based on your preference for creaminess and calorie content.
- For a lighter version, substitute Parmesan with a smaller amount or a lower-fat cheese.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during sautéing for a subtle spicy kick.
- To make it vegan, substitute cottage cheese and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
