Orzo Pasta with Spinanch and Parmesan

I love orzo and I feel like I never cook it, so I was excited when I came across this recipe. This dish is advertised as a side dish but it looked so delicious, I decided to double the recipe and serve it as a main dish instead.

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter, divided 

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

2.5 cups of water

2 teaspoons chicken base (found next to the chicken broth)

1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic

1 10oz bag of baby spinach

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium skillet over medium high heat and add the orzo. Stir until lightly browned

2. Stir in water and chicken base and bring to a boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed

3. While the orzo is simmering it is a good time to prepare the spinach.  In a large skillet melt 2 tablespoons of butter.  Add the minced garlic and saute for about 30 seconds. Add whole bag of spinach and a pinch of salt, and saute until wilted

4. When orzo is done add the spinach and the Parmesan and mix well.  Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.