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Here is everything you need for creamy mushroom spinach orzo. Gather these simple items: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini) - 3 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish This list makes it easy to prepare a tasty meal. You can adjust some items based on your taste. For example, if you like mushrooms, add more. If you need a vegan option, use coconut cream and skip the cheese. Each ingredient plays an important role in building flavor and texture. Enjoy the cooking process and the delicious results! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a medium pot with water and add salt. Bring this salted water to a rolling boil. Next, add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the boiling water. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the orzo and set it aside for later. In a large skillet, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens. Then, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute. You will love the aroma that fills your kitchen! Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to ensure they turn golden brown and lose any excess moisture. This step adds a deep flavor to your dish. Next, stir in 3 cups of fresh spinach. Cook it for about 2 to 3 minutes until it wilts. After that, pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and mix in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream. Add in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken slightly. Now it's time to combine! Add the cooked orzo to the skillet. Stir it well until the orzo is fully coated with that creamy sauce. If you like, mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends in nicely. Taste your dish and adjust the flavors. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon zest. For a nice presentation, divide the creamy mushroom spinach orzo among plates or bowls. If you have fresh parsley, sprinkle some on top. Enjoy this delightful meal! To cook your orzo just right, start with salted water. This adds flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add your orzo and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Check for doneness a minute early. You want it al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite. Once done, drain it right away. If you let it sit, it may become too soft. To make your orzo dish even tastier, use fresh herbs and spices. Dried thyme adds a nice touch. You can also try fresh basil or parsley. Lemon zest brightens the dish and gives a fresh taste. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. The right mix of flavors makes a big difference. For a creamy dish, heavy cream works well. If you want a lighter option, use coconut cream. This keeps it rich but reduces fat. You can also try a blend of both. Start with half a cup of cream, then add more if you want it creamier. Always taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and mushrooms will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Opt for organic produce when possible for the best results. Customize Your Creaminess: If you want a lighter option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds a unique flavor while keeping the dish creamy. Season in Layers: Make sure to taste and adjust your seasoning at each step of the cooking process. This helps build flavor and ensures a well-seasoned final dish. Garnish for Presentation: Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish! It adds a pop of color and freshness that elevates the overall presentation of your dish. {{image_2}} You can make this dish gluten-free. Just use gluten-free orzo. Many stores sell this option now. You can also try rice or quinoa for a different twist. Both pair well with the creamy sauce. Want to boost the veggie power? You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or peas. Broccoli works great too! Think about what’s in season. Fresh veggies taste best. They also add color and texture. Want to make it heartier? Try adding chicken or shrimp. Cook these separately and mix them in. You can also add tofu for a plant-based option. It soaks up the flavors well and adds protein. To store leftovers, let the creamy mushroom spinach orzo cool down. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge. It can last for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to reheat only the portion you want to eat. You can freeze this dish for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, scoop the orzo into freezer-safe bags or containers. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, take the orzo out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream for best results. This keeps the dish creamy and smooth. Creamy mushroom spinach orzo lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you reheat it, add a splash of broth or cream. This helps bring back the creamy texture. Yes, you can use different types of mushrooms. Button and cremini mushrooms work well. Shiitake or portobello mushrooms add a richer flavor. Just slice them and follow the same cooking steps. Feel free to mix them for a unique taste! Absolutely! You can make this recipe vegan by substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Lastly, ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly. Creamy mushroom spinach orzo pairs well with a simple salad or roasted veggies. You can also serve it with garlic bread or crusty rolls. For protein, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp makes a great addition. To add spice, try adding red pepper flakes during cooking. You can also stir in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick! This blog post covered how to make creamy mushroom spinach orzo. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. Remember, each step matters for delicious results. You can customize this dish with different veggies, proteins, or creams to suit your taste. Store leftovers properly for another day. With this guide, you can feel confident in cooking and enjoying a tasty meal. Try it out; you'll impress yourself and others!

Creamy Mushroom Spinach Orzo

A delicious and creamy orzo pasta dish with mushrooms and spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown and any moisture has evaporated.
  • Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, then mix in the heavy cream or coconut cream, dried thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and stir until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce. If using, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon zest as desired.
  • Divide the creamy mushroom spinach orzo among plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if using and enjoy!

Notes

For a lighter option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Keyword creamy, mushroom, orzo, pasta, spinach