15-Minute Green Goddess Orzo (High Protein, Creamy & Healthy)
If you love quick, cozy, high-protein meals that taste like something from your favorite café… this Green Goddess Orzo is the recipe you need in your weekly rotation. It’s creamy, fresh, comforting, packed with protein, and ready in just 15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High-protein thanks to cottage cheese
- Ultra creamy without heavy cream
- Simple ingredients
- Budget-friendly
- Perfect for weeknights
- Meal-prep approved
- One-pan + blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup (180g) orzo
- 1 cup (30g) fresh spinach
- ½ cup (10g) fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup (120g) cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp (30g) pesto
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ lemon (juice + zest)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, chili flakes, pine nuts, basil
Instructions
Step 1 — Blend the Green Goddess Sauce
Add spinach, basil, cottage cheese, pesto, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blend until smooth and vibrant green.
Step 2 — Pour Sauce Into Warm Orzo
Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain, then pour the creamy green sauce over the warm orzo.
Step 3 — Stir to Combine
Stir everything together over low heat until creamy and warmed through. Add a splash of pasta water for extra creaminess.
Step 4 — Serve & Garnish
Top with tomatoes, basil, chili flakes, pine nuts, or lemon.
Tips for the Best Green Goddess Orzo
- Make it creamier: Add 1–2 tbsp pasta water.
- More protein: Add extra cottage cheese.
- Dairy-free: Use vegan cottage cheese.
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes.
- Meal prep: Stays creamy when reheated.
Storage
- Fridge: 3 days in airtight container.
- Reheat: Add splash of water, broth, or milk.
- Freezing: Not recommended.
Substitutions
- Orzo → rice, quinoa, or small pasta
- Basil → parsley or cilantro
- Cottage cheese → Greek yogurt
- Pesto → chili crisp + olive oil
- Spinach → kale
FAQ
Can I add protein?
Yes — chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas work great.
Can I make it vegan?
Use vegan cottage cheese & pesto.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes — it stays creamy when reheated.
