Description
A creamy and flavorful Mushroom and Spinach Orzo recipe that combines tender orzo pasta with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich vegetable broth base. Enhanced with garlic, onion, and optional Parmesan cheese or creamy additions, this quick and easy dish serves as a comforting vegetarian meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo (whole-wheat option available)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms (button, cremini, or baby bella)
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, or substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Seasoning & Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Add the mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes until they turn golden brown and release their moisture.
- Incorporate the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches if necessary. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume.
- Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 3–4 minutes to allow flavors to meld. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream during this step.
- Combine with Orzo and Cheese: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and mix thoroughly until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy vegetable mixture. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, if using, and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley. For extra flavor, consider adding lemon zest or juice and toasted pine nuts or walnuts. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- For a healthier twist, use whole-wheat orzo.
- Adding lemon zest or juice brightens the flavor.
- To add texture and nuttiness, consider toasted pine nuts or walnuts as toppings.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
