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A close-up of creamy pea and spinach risotto, a perfect quick dinner idea for a weeknight win.

Dinner Ideas in 20 Minutes (Weeknight Win)

This recipe offers a quick and delicious orzotto that can be prepared in 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. It is designed to be a healthy, satisfying meal for families.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Lemon Zest and Juice 2 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Calories: 267

Ingredients
  

For the Orzotto
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small or 1/2 medium white or yellow onion finely diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 1/4 cups orzo
  • 1 cup full-fat unsweetened coconut milk about half a 13-ounce can
  • to taste Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 medium lemon
  • 3 cups baby spinach half a 5-ounce container
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Equipment

  • 12-inch nonstick skillet or Dutch oven
  • Lid

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. If the onions are starting to brown, lower the heat.
  2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  3. Add the broth, orzo, coconut milk, and black pepper. Cover the pan with a lid. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently until the orzo is just shy of al dente, 7 to 10 minutes. Stir the orzo occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  4. While the orzo is cooking, zest the lemon, then squeeze it and measure 2 tablespoons of juice. Set aside.
  5. Add the spinach and peas to the orzo and stir until incorporated. Cook until the peas are warmed through and the spinach is fully wilted, 1 to 2 minutes.
  6. Off the heat, add the lemon zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 9gFat: 6g

Notes

This orzotto is best served right away as it tends to dry out a bit as it cools. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of water in the microwave.

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