Why You’ll Love Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo Recipe
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Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep and only one pan, it’s the ideal solution for a busy day.
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Comforting & Delicious: The creamy sauce and the umami-rich mushrooms create a delightful, satisfying dish.
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Healthy & Nutritious: Spinach adds a boost of vitamins, while orzo and mushrooms make it hearty and filling.
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Perfect for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof.
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Minimal Cleanup: Since it’s all made in one pan, you’ll save time on both cooking and cleaning.
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini mushrooms work well)
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1 ½ cups orzo pasta
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3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
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¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 4-5 minutes, until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
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Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet, stirring to combine. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a simmer, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, spinach, and dried thyme. Let the spinach wilt and the sauce thicken, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Once the spinach has wilted and the sauce has reached a creamy consistency, remove the pan from heat. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Preparation time: 5 minutes
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Cooking time: 25 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Vegan Version: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and skip the Parmesan cheese.
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Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon to make it a heartier meal.
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Different Greens: Try adding kale, arugula, or even Swiss chard instead of spinach for a unique twist.
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Use Different Pasta: If you don’t have orzo, small pasta shapes like farfalle or penne work great as alternatives.
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Mushroom Variety: Swap the button mushrooms for wild mushrooms or cremini for a different depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works well. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the dish.
Can I substitute the orzo with another type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any small pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the pasta.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
To lighten it up, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of oil used for sautéing.
Can I use dairy-free alternatives for the cream and cheese?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream, and opt for dairy-free cheese instead of Parmesan.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to introduce some heat to the dish.
What type of mushrooms are best for this recipe?
Button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or a mix of wild mushrooms all work great in this recipe. Cremini mushrooms provide a richer flavor.
Can I prepare this in advance?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time (chop vegetables, measure out ingredients) for quicker assembly.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While freezing is possible, the creamy texture might change when reheated. If you plan to freeze, try omitting the cream and adding it when reheating.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just be sure to cook them along with the mushrooms for best results.
How do I make sure the orzo doesn’t get mushy?
Make sure to keep an eye on the orzo while cooking and stir occasionally. If you notice it absorbing all the liquid before it’s fully cooked, add a little more broth or water.
Conclusion
Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo is an easy and comforting meal that delivers incredible flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a delicious side dish, this one-pan recipe offers a healthy and satisfying option that the whole family will enjoy. With its creamy texture, savory mushrooms, and the goodness of spinach, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo (30 Minutes, ONE-PAN)
A quick and delicious Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo made in one pan in just 30 minutes! This creamy dish is perfect for busy weeknights, combining the earthy flavors of sautéed mushrooms with vibrant spinach, all in a rich, creamy sauce. Serve it as a comforting meal on its own or as a side dish to your favorite main course.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, cooking for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Sauté mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and browned.
- Add orzo and broth: Stir in the orzo pasta, and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
- Add cream and spinach: Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir in the spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Finish the dish: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free version.
- You can substitute the vegetable broth with chicken broth if you prefer.
- This dish can be served as a main course or a side dish. For added protein, you can top it with grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
