This creamy spinach and mushroom orzo is a quick, one-pan meal that’s both comforting and delicious. With tender orzo, fresh spinach, and savory mushrooms, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
I love how this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate, and the clean-up is super easy! You can even add some grated cheese on top for an extra yummy touch! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo pasta: This tiny pasta gives a lovely creamy texture. If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pastas like rice-shaped or couscous, but cooking times may vary.
Vegetable broth: I’ve used vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, but chicken broth works well too if you’re not vegetarian. Just pick what you prefer based on your pantry!
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nutrition and color. If you’re in a pinch, frozen spinach is a great substitute—just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.
Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms are delicious here. You can swap in other types like shiitake or portobello if you like stronger flavors.
Heavy cream: I enjoy heavy cream for a rich taste, but feel free to use coconut milk for a lighter and dairy-free option. The flavor will change slightly but still be tasty!
Parmesan cheese: This adds a nice finish to the dish, but if it’s not on hand, you can leave it out or substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Orzo?
Cooking orzo just right is key to this recipe. Here’s how it’s done:
- Start by measuring your broth to ensure there’s enough liquid—about twice the amount of orzo is a good rule.
- Once you add the orzo to simmering broth, stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. This also helps it release starch, making the sauce extra creamy.
- Keep an eye on the time; cook until it’s al dente—this is when it’s tender but still has a slight bite. This usually takes around 10-12 minutes, depending on the heat of your stove.
Don’t forget to taste! If it needs a little more liquid, you can always add a splash of broth or water at the end. This will help if it thickens too much!
How to Make Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini mushrooms work well)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy spinach and mushroom orzo takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking. A delicious and quick meal awaits!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This will add a lovely base flavor to your dish.
2. Cook the Mushrooms:
Next, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and nicely browned. This step brings out the best flavor from the mushrooms!
3. Combine with Orzo:
Now, stir in the orzo pasta, followed by the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, giving it a stir from time to time, until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the broth. It should be creamy and delicious!
4. Add Spinach and Cream:
Once the orzo is cooked, lower the heat and add the fresh spinach, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy. This is the moment the dish really comes together!
5. Season and Serve:
Taste your orzo and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, stir it in until melted and well combined. Now, it’s ready to serve! Spoon the creamy orzo into bowls, and if you want, garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delightful meal!
Can I Substitute the Orzo for Another Pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can use any small pasta shape like ditalini, couscous, or even rice for a different texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times according to the pasta or grain you choose!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the dish. You may want to add it a minute or two earlier to ensure it heats through properly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce, and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Definitely! Simply replace the heavy cream with coconut milk and omit the Parmesan cheese. This will give you a delicious and creamy vegan version of the dish! You can also use nutritional yeast as a cheese substitute for added flavor if you like.
