Creamy Orzo With Sauteed Spinach Food

CREAMY ORZO

Steps:

• Bring a heavy large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic, and saute until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook until they are tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in the cream and peas. Add the orzo and toss to coat. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the Parmesan to the pasta mixture and toss to coat. Stir the pasta mixture until the sauce coats the pasta thickly, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to maintain a creamy consistency. Season the orzo with salt and pepper, and serve.

ORZO WITH WILTED SPINACH

Steps:

• Cook orzo using package directions and drain.
• Meanwhile saute shallot and garlic in olive oil in large skillet until softened.
• Stir in orzo and sun dried tomatoes. Gradually add spinach, you may have to do this in batches until it fits. Cook just until spinach is wilted. Do not overcook. Season to taste.
• Top with pine nuts and cheese.

CREAMY ORZO WITH SPINACH AND SHRIMP

Steps:

• Melt butter in a large skillet.
• Add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.
• Add orzo and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add chicken broth and water, bring to a boil.
• Once at a boil reduce heat to a simmer uncovered.
• Meanwhile core, seed and dice the tomatoes and thaw and strain the spinach.
• Once the liquid in the orzo begins to absorb (about 5 minutes) add the tomatoes and stir.
• Let this simmer for another 5 minutes then add the spinach and stir.
• Cook until the liquid is fully absorbed (about another 15 minutes).
• In a separate pan sauté the shrimp and sprinkle with creole seasoning (optional, you can use whatever spice you like) until cooked.
• Add the cheeses and fresh basil, red pepper (optional) to the orzo and stir, then add in the shrimp and serve!

CREAMY ORZO AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Cook orzo according to package directions, drain.
• Mix parmesan, beaten egg and cream and add to hot orzo.
• The heat will cook the egg mixture.
• Heat oil in skillet, add garlic, sauté until soft.
• Add spinach in batches until wilted.
• Season with red pepper, salt, pepper, stirring.
• Drizzle with a drop of balsamic.
• Top orzo with spinach, serve with additional parmesan if desired.