Lemon-Garlic Orzo with Baby Spinach

A quick and easy side dish - orzo with bright and zesty lemon, fresh garlic, and baby spinach.

This side dish is light and summery but satisfies that pasta craving. Orzo also reminds me a lot of risotto, but without the time or labor. 
I served this lemon-garlic orzo with baby spinach alongside grilled chicken. I love when I only need to make one dish inside and Jon can be grilling the rest outside. Easy prep and super easy cleanup. 

Lemon-Garlic Orzo with Baby Spinach Original Recipe by Mary Ellen of Mary Ellen's Cooking Creations
Ingredients

• 12 oz dry orzo
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1/2 of a lemon
• Zest of 1/2 of a lemon
• 1 bag (6oz) baby spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

• Cook orzo according to package directions
• In the meantime, heat the butter and oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.
• Add the garlic and saute 2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn
• Add in the lemon juice and rind.
• Toss in the orzo and stir in the spinach.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste and top with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. 

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