Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo

We've been working toward avoiding store-bought side dishes and processed food so needing a quick homemade side dish I tried a Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo.  (I also had extra spinach I needed to use.)

Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo

This could also be a main dish with the addition or chicken or ???

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1/2 medium onion diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 1/2 cups dried orzo pasta

2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

2 cups milk

2 cups packed fresh spinach, coarsely chopped

1/2 to 3/4 cup freshly grated, Parmesan cheese

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

(Optional 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes)

Directions:

Heat oil in skillet that is deep enough to hold all the ingredients and has a lid.

Saute onion over medium heat until softened.

Add garlic and orzo.

Season with salt and pepper.  (1/2 to 1 tsp. salt and 1/4 ground pepper is what I used.)

Saute another minute.

Stir in broth, milk and bring to boil.

Cover and reduce heat to a simmer.  

Cook stirring occasionally until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

(This took about 10-12 minutes.)

Stir in spinach and Parmesan until spinach wilts and cheese melts.

Taste and season with more salt and pepper if necessary.

Serve.

This made plenty for 3 people as a side with about 1/2 left over.  Recipe could be cut in half for smaller yield.