One-Pot Lemon Garlic Orzo with Spinach

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-02 · Updated 2026-06-02

Bright and zesty orzo pasta cooked in one pot with garlic, lemon, and fresh spinach for a quick and light Mediterranean-inspired side or main dish. This Mediterranean-inspired one-pot recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs orzo pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 4 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
2. Step 2: Pour in 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta and toast it for 2 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly golden.
3. Step 3: Add 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Step 4: Stir in 4 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Cook uncovered for 2 more minutes until the spinach wilts.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and mix in 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese and optional 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Serve warm as a bright, comforting dish.