Ingredients
Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
Cheese and Protein
- 1 (5.2 oz.) package Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs)
- 8 ounces crab meat
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Toast Orzo: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add dry orzo and toast for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring frequently until lightly golden.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer Orzo: Pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook the orzo for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Boursin Cheese: Stir in the Boursin cheese until it fully melts and creates a creamy sauce coating the orzo.
- Wilt Spinach: Add fresh spinach if using, and allow it to wilt into the creamy orzo mixture.
- Fold in Crab Meat: Gently fold in the crab meat, taking care not to overmix so that the crab stays in chunks.
- Season: Taste and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest to brighten the flavors.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of remaining broth to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Serve the creamy crab orzo warm, garnished with fresh parsley for added color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute crab meat with sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts.
- For a dairy-free variation, omit Boursin and use a creamy dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Adjust the amount of broth for desired sauce thickness.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh finish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American