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
Scale
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
