Description
A vibrant and creamy Green Goddess Orzo recipe combining tender orzo pasta with a luscious coconut milk-based sauce blended with fresh basil, spinach, and parsley. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal, finished with bright lemon juice and optional chili flakes for a slight kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo and Aromatics
- 1 1/2 cups orzo
- 1 cup water
- 1 shallot, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/2 tsp salt
Green Goddess Sauce
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk (15.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Finish
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Green Goddess Sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine the full-fat coconut milk, fresh basil, spinach, parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until mostly smooth, leaving some small pieces of greens for texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and crushed garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
- Toast Orzo: Add the orzo and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the skillet. Stir constantly and toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes until it turns lightly golden and is well coated in the oil.
- Simmer Orzo: Pour in 1 cup of water and the prepared Green Goddess sauce. Stir everything together well, then cover the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes. Stir halfway through to prevent sticking. Cook until the orzo is al dente and the sauce has thickened and become creamy.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the orzo hot, drizzled with a little olive oil, and topped with optional chili flakes and fresh basil for extra flavor and color.
Notes
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture in the sauce.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a bit more water while simmering.
- To add protein, consider topping with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Fresh herbs make a big difference, so use fresh basil, parsley, and spinach whenever possible.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste before serving.
- Chili flakes add a lovely heat, but are optional.
- This dish is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by ensuring the orzo is egg-free.
