Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo: A One-Pan Comfort Dish in Just 30 Minutes

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo is a delightful one-pan meal that combines tender orzo pasta with earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach in a velvety, creamy sauce.

This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and flavorful without the hassle of multiple dishes. The combination of mushrooms’ umami flavor and the bright, fresh taste of spinach creates a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – A wide, deep pan works best for this one-pan recipe.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the ingredients without damaging the pan.
• Knife and Cutting Board – To chop the mushrooms and spinach.

Ingredients Overview

• Orzo Pasta – This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Mushrooms – Use cremini or button mushrooms for a rich, earthy flavor.
• Spinach – Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and a boost of nutrients.
• Cream – Heavy cream creates the luscious sauce that ties the dish together.
• Parmesan Cheese – For a touch of savory richness and a creamy finish.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables
   Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and slightly browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Toast the Orzo
   Add the orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the oil and butter. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, which enhances its flavor.
3. Cook the Orzo
   Pour in the broth and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Add Cream and Spinach
   Stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese
   Mix in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and combined. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve and Garnish
   Remove from heat and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.

Recipe Tips

• Add Protein: Include cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling meal.
• Substitute Greens: If you don’t have spinach, try kale or arugula instead.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of heavy cream and Parmesan.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Pair this dish with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A crusty piece of bread or garlic bread is also great for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: While orzo works best, you can substitute small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, but the orzo may absorb more liquid as it sits. Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to maintain its creamy texture.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat gently, adding liquid to restore creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo as a satisfying vegetarian main dish or as a side to complement grilled chicken, fish, or steak. Its comforting, creamy flavors pair well with bright, citrusy beverages like lemonade or sparkling water.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook until softened.
2. Stir in orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add broth and water, simmer, and cook covered for 8-10 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
5. Mix in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Enjoy this quick, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a household favorite!

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo is a delightful one-pan meal that combines tender orzo pasta with earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach in a velvety, creamy sauce.

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Equipment

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – A wide, deep pan works best for this one-pan recipe.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the ingredients without damaging the pan.
• Knife and Cutting Board – To chop the mushrooms and spinach.

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms sliced (cremini or button)
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley

Instructions

 

• Sauté the Vegetables
• Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and slightly browned, about 5 minutes.
• Toast the Orzo
• Add the orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the oil and butter. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, which enhances its flavor.
• Cook the Orzo
• Pour in the broth and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
• Add Cream and Spinach
• Stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Incorporate Parmesan Cheese
• Mix in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and combined. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve and Garnish
• Remove from heat and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm