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Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Orzo

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⭐ Why You’ll Love It:

✔️ Creamy, cozy, and full of umami flavor
✔️ One pot = easy cleanup
✔️ Perfect as a vegetarian main or hearty side
✔️ Feels like risotto — cooks like pasta!

🧾 Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or baby bella work great)
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (or half & half)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Optional: squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, fresh thyme or parsley

👩‍🍳 Instructions

🔸 Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

  1. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in garlic and mushrooms; cook for 5–6 minutes, until mushrooms are browned and tender. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

🔸 Step 2: Toast the Orzo

  1. Add orzo to the pan and stir for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast.

🔸 Step 3: Simmer

  1. Pour in the broth and bring to a low boil.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.

🔸 Step 4: Make It Creamy

  1. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes).
  2. Add Parmesan cheese and cream. Stir until creamy and fully combined.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness if desired.

🔸 Step 5: Serve

  1. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley, extra cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil.

🥗 Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve as a vegetarian main dish
  • Pair with grilled chicken, salmon, or pork chops
  • Delicious alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad

❄️ Storage & Reheat:

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days
  • Reheat: Gently on stovetop with a splash of broth or milk
  • Freezer: Not recommended (dairy may separate), but you can freeze before adding cream

❓ FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free Parmesan and cream, or sub with coconut milk and nutritional yeast.

What other add-ins work well?
Try adding peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or cooked sausage or chicken for a heartier dish!

💡 Final Thoughts

This Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Orzo is the ultimate comfort food: rich, satisfying, and loaded with earthy, cheesy flavor in every bite. Perfect for meatless Mondays, easy weeknight dinners, or even a holiday side dish. 🍄🧀🌿

Want a lemony version, baked casserole twist, or protein-packed add-in? Just say the word!

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