Description
A comforting and delicious Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo pasta dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Sautéed mushrooms and garlic are combined with tender orzo pasta, creamy Parmesan sauce, and fresh spinach for a flavorful vegetarian meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 ½ cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Fats and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat fats: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil until heated through.
- Sauté mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and become tender.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Toast orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and lightly toast it for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed.
- Add cream, cheese, and spinach: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season: Taste and season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
- Garnish and serve: Top with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- To make it vegan, replace butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives and omit Parmesan or use vegan cheese.
- Stir occasionally when cooking the orzo to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a bright, fresh flavor and visual appeal but is optional.
