If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo is the answer to all your weeknight dinner dreams. Tender orzo is cooked until perfectly al dente, then smothered in a luscious, Parmesan-rich sauce with earthy sautéed mushrooms and vibrant spinach. Each bite is wonderfully creamy, packed with savory flavor, and comes together in just one pan for minimal fuss. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to cozy up with, whether you’re feeding your family or treating yourself to something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this dish shine, and each one brings its own magic to the table. The combination of fresh veggies, creamy dairy, and punchy seasonings creates that signature Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo flavor and texture you’ll love.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the onions and mushrooms develop a deep, savory base.
- Onion (diced): Lends a gentle sweetness and depth to the orzo.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the whole dish with aromatic, irresistible flavor.
- Mushrooms (sliced): Provide an earthy, meaty bite and soak up all the savory goodness.
- Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks up tender and creamy, making the perfect base.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: Adds layers of flavor and ensures the orzo cooks up perfectly.
- Heavy cream: Delivers the dish’s signature creaminess and velvety texture.
- Fresh spinach (chopped): Brightens everything up with color, nutrition, and fresh flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts in for a salty, nutty, umami-rich finish.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Adds a little warmth and balances the richness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick of heat.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): The final pop of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for another 4 to 5 minutes until the mushrooms are beautifully browned and tender. This step sets up the deep, savory flavor base that makes Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo so irresistible.
Step 2: Toast the Orzo
Stir the orzo pasta right into the skillet with the veggies. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring gently, just until the orzo is lightly toasted and glistening. Toasting the pasta adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps it hold its shape as it cooks in the sauce.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and give everything a gentle stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This is when the magic happens—the orzo absorbs all those delicious flavors while becoming perfectly creamy.
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Add Greens
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and everything is blended into a rich, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle over the fresh chopped parsley. Serve up generous bowls of Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo while it’s piping hot, and bask in the joy of every creamy, savory spoonful!
How to Serve Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo
Garnishes
Top your Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo with even more Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a dash of red pepper flakes for color and a little zing. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving adds a lovely glossy finish and rich aroma.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also shines next to a crisp green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette or some roasted veggies for extra color and crunch. For a cozy Italian-inspired meal, serve with warm, crusty bread to mop up any extra creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or pile it high in a deep serving bowl family-style. If you want to impress, top each portion with shaved Parmesan curls and a few whole sautéed mushrooms for a restaurant-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
Freezing
While orzo dishes with cream can change texture a bit when frozen, you can freeze portions if needed. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo in a skillet or saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce and stir gently until warmed through. A quick zap in the microwave works too—just don’t forget to stir halfway for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the regular orzo for your favorite gluten-free orzo or small pasta shape. Follow the same steps, but keep an eye on the cooking time since some gluten-free pastas cook faster.
How can I add protein to this dish?
You can easily add cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even white beans for a protein boost. Stir them in at the end, just before garnishing, so everything heats through without drying out.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen chopped spinach works well in Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo. Just thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it in so your sauce stays nice and creamy.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this orzo?
For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based cream (like oat or cashew) and a vegan Parmesan. It’ll still be rich and satisfying, just with a lighter twist.
What mushrooms work best in this recipe?
Button or cremini mushrooms are classic, but feel free to use shiitake, portobello, or a mix for extra depth. Just slice them evenly so they cook up tender and golden.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that comes together quickly yet feels utterly indulgent, and Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo delivers every single time. I hope you give it a try soon—your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!
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Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This creamy spinach and mushroom orzo is a comforting and delicious one-pan pasta dish featuring tender orzo pasta cooked with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines savory flavors and smooth textures for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, releasing a sweet, mellow flavor. Next, add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
- Toast Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This toasts the orzo lightly, enhancing its nutty flavor and helping it hold its shape in the final dish.
- Simmer in Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cooking while stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream, chopped fresh spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the sauce to become creamy and well combined.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm as a comforting and flavorful vegetarian main course.
Notes
- For a richer and tangier flavor, substitute half of the heavy cream with cream cheese.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for an added protein boost.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
