Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Orzo

Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Orzo is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of mushrooms and the freshness of spinach with creamy orzo pasta. It’s a perfect meal for any time of the day, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just for yourself. This recipe is easy to follow and will leave you with a delicious and satisfying meal.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is not only tasty but also comforting. The orzo pasta absorbs the flavors of the mushrooms and garlic, creating a creamy texture that is hard to resist. Plus, it’s loaded with healthy spinach, making it a great way to sneak in some vegetables into your meal. It is quick to make and can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Orzo

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp black pepper
Salt, to taste
2 cups baby spinach

Directions

Sauté Mushrooms: In a skillet, heat oil and sauté mushrooms until golden. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add Orzo: Stir in dry orzo and toast lightly for 1 minute.
Simmer: Pour in vegetable broth. Simmer, stirring often, for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Cream It: Add cream, pepper, and salt. Stir in spinach until wilted and sauce is thick and glossy.
Serve: Spoon into bowls and enjoy warm.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Orzo

You can serve the Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Orzo warm in bowls. It pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top to enhance the flavors!

How to Store Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Orzo

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.

Tips to Make Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Orzo

Make sure to sauté the mushrooms until they are golden for the best flavor.
Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or zucchini for variety.
You can use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Variation

For a vegetarian option, you can replace vegetable broth with mushroom broth for an even richer mushroom flavor. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein, if desired.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
A: Yes! You can substitute orzo with any small pasta shape like ditalini or even regular rice if you prefer.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or a similar gluten-free pasta.

Q: Can I make this dish vegan?
A: Yes! Use plant-based cream and a vegan substitute for butter, and everything else in the recipe remains the same.