Spinach Orzo

It's a snap! A 10 oz pakage of frozen chopped spinach , thawed and squeezed to drain, can be substituted for fresh spinach.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  teaspoon butter or 1  teaspoon margarine
• 3  garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1⁄2 cup  coarsely shredded carrot (1 small)
• 1⁄2 cup onion, chopped
• 2  cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1  cup  uncooked orzo pasta (6 ounces)
• 1 1⁄2 cups  thinly sliced fresh spinach
• 2  tablespoons  grated parmesan cheese
• 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh basil or 1  teaspoon dried basil leaves
•  salt and pepper

Directions

1. Melt butter in 3 quart saucepan over medium heat. Cook garlic, onion and carrot in butter about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until carrot and onion are tender.
2. Stir in broth, orzo and spinach.
3. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occassionally until broth is absorbed.
4. Stir in salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese and basil before serving.