Description
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful dish with this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo recipe. This easy-to-make meal combines tender orzo pasta with earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce for a satisfying main course or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and butter. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and mushrooms: Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
- Toast orzo: Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in cream and spinach: Add heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Cook until spinach wilts and sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
- Season and serve: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- For added protein, include cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans.
- This orzo pairs well with roasted meats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
