Description
This creamy spinach mushroom orzo recipe is a quick and comforting one-pan meal. It features earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms or crimini, sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth or stock
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and tender (5-7 minutes). Remove mushrooms and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add uncooked orzo, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally.
- Stir in cooked mushrooms, fresh spinach, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring, until spinach wilts and sauce is creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth.
- Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream, or Greek yogurt can be swirled in at the end for a different texture.
- Cooking orzo in water is possible but less flavorful; consider a bouillon cube if doing so.
- Red pepper flakes can be adjusted or omitted for spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 450 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 5g
- Sodium: Approx. 600mg
- Fat: Approx. 20g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 10g
- Trans Fat: Approx. 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 50g
- Fiber: Approx. 4g
- Protein: Approx. 15g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 40mg