Description
Creamy spinach mushroom orzo delivers a Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish packed with earthy flavors and nutrition. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a perfect weeknight meal you’ll savor with each delightful, cheesy spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200 g / 7 ounces) orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or your choice)
- 3 cups (90 g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Liquids, Seasonings, and Garnish:
- 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fluid ounces) vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fluid ounces) milk or cream
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a spacious skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat, creating a golden base for sautéing aromatics.
- Gently introduce chopped onions to the pan, allowing them to soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet essence.
- Incorporate minced garlic, stirring quickly to prevent burning and to awaken its intense fragrance.
- Slide sliced mushrooms into the skillet, letting them dance and caramelize, drawing out their rich, earthy moisture.
- Introduce orzo to the vegetable medley, coating each grain with the flavorful oil and butter, creating a light toasted texture.
- Stream in vegetable or chicken broth, creating a simmering liquid bath for the orzo to become tender and absorptive.
- Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the orzo to gently cook, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Fold fresh spinach into the creamy mixture, watching it wilt and integrate seamlessly with the orzo.
- Splash in milk or cream, transforming the dish into a luxurious, velvety composition.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and thyme, stirring to distribute their complementary flavors throughout the dish.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting to achieve a perfect balance.
- Transfer to serving dishes, optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan and a bright squeeze of lemon for a final flourish.
Notes
- Enhance flavor depth by using a mix of mushroom varieties like shiitake, cremini, and oyster for a more complex taste profile.
- Toast orzo carefully to prevent burning, constantly stirring and watching the heat to achieve a golden, nutty color without scorching.
- Adjust liquid ratio if needed; different orzo brands might absorb broth differently, so keep extra broth on hand for perfect consistency.
- Make this dish gluten-free by substituting orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice, maintaining the same cooking technique and flavor elements.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg