Stovetop Orzo Pilaf with Lemon, Feta, and Spinach

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

A bright and fluffy orzo pilaf cooked with fresh lemon juice, crumbled feta, and tender spinach for a vibrant Mediterranean side dish. This Greek-inspired rice and grain recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 20 minutes, pairs orzo pasta, olive oil, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup orzo pasta and toast, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until the orzo turns golden brown and smells nutty.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the orzo and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper and bring to a boil over high heat.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; cook uncovered for 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the feta warms, stirring gently.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, fold in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning to taste before serving warm.

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