Name: Asiago Spinach Orzo with Clams
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 cup Asiago cheese; 2 1/2 cups spinach; 2 cans whole baby clams; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon shallots; 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Asiago Spinach Orzo with Clams

Orzo is a small flat pasta that closely resembles a large grain of rice. Although its origins are Italian, Orzo is considered the pasta of Greece. Last year we enjoyed two weeks in the Mediterranean and every time we dined in a Greek restaurant I planned to order a dish with orzo but I could never find it on the menu (which was usually printed in English). Imagine how dumb I felt when I studied up on orzo after our return only to discover that is is called risoni in Greece … duh!

Since orzo is a whole grain pasta, it offers a few health benefits. However, these health benefits make it better than other regular pasta. However, to make an orzo meal nutritious, combine it with healthy and nutritious foods like vegetables, chicken, seafood, etc. Because of its size, orzo (like couscous) has almost no taste or is considered neutral-tasting. It takes on the flavor of whatever sauce and seasoning you add to it.

The thing I like most about orzo is the cooking time required. Rice, depending on a number of factors, can take up to 25 minutes. Most pastas such as fettuccine, penne, or linguine take 9 to 13 minutes. Risotto takes a whopping 20 to 30 minutes. And in first place we find orzo taking 7 to 10 minutes.

Tasty

Cooking Method: Simmering, Stovetop Cuisine: American, Italian, Mediterranean Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: High Protein

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4 Calories: 352

Instructions

Using a large saucepan, combine the chicken broth and milk and bring to a boil.
Add the orzo and cook 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and as the Asiago cheese, the spinach, the clams and the spices.
Stirring gently, cook for about 3 minutes, until the spinach wilts down.
Taste the orzo; add salt and pepper to taste. Stir, remove from heat, serve. "Kali Oreksi"

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 cup

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 352kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 66mg22%
Sodium 831mg35%
Potassium 331mg10%
Total Carbohydrate 47g16%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 4g
Protein 19g38%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

If you leave out the clams from this recipe, you have a wonderful, tasty side dish for a multitude of entrees.

When you drain the can of clams be sure to save the liquid in an air-tight jar because you may want to use it as seafood stock for future dishes or when you re-heat leftovers from this recipe.

Just for clarification, a 10 ounce can of Bumble Bee brand Whole Baby Clams has 4.8 ounces of edible meat WHEN DRAINED. SO, two cans (as used in this recipe) amount to about 9.5 ounces of edible meat.

Asiago Spinach Orzo with Clams