One-Pot Pumpkin Parmesan Orzo Spinach (Printable)

Creamy orzo, pumpkin, spinach, and Parmesan blend together in a flavorful and cozy one-pot autumn meal.

# Components:

→ Produce & Aromatics

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 ½ cups (45 g) fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped

→ Pantry Staples

05 - 1 cup (200 g) canned pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
06 - 1 ½ cups (270 g) orzo pasta
07 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
08 - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Liquids & Dairy

10 - 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable broth
11 - ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk (or plant-based milk)
12 - ¾ cup (60 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
02 - Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
03 - Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it in the pan for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the pumpkin purée, dried thyme, ground nutmeg, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
04 - Pour in the vegetable broth and milk. Stir everything together thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 12-15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
05 - Add the roughly chopped baby spinach to the saucepan. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the spinach has wilted into the orzo mixture.
06 - Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and unsalted butter until they are fully melted and the orzo is creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
07 - Serve the one-pot orzo immediately. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Made in a single pot for minimal cleanup
  • Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
  • Perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors
  • Versatile enough for a weeknight dinner or casual entertaining
02 -
  • Orzo cooks much faster than regular pasta making this truly a 30 minute meal
  • This dish reheats beautifully for next day lunches
  • Each serving provides a full serving of vegetables
  • The combination of pumpkin and Parmesan creates a uniquely satisfying umami flavor
03 -
  • Always toast the orzo before adding liquid for enhanced nutty flavor and better texture. This simple step transforms the dish from good to exceptional.
  • When adding the spinach, it will look like too much at first but will quickly wilt down to the perfect amount. Trust the process and resist the urge to use less.
  • For the creamiest result, grate your Parmesan fresh rather than using pre-grated varieties which often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

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