Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This creamy mushroom and spinach orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for any night of the week. Tender orzo pasta is cooked in a rich blend of broth and cream, paired with sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach for a satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, divided
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
• 3¾ cups low sodium chicken broth, room temperature
• ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
• ½ cup milk, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces baby spinach, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet. Sauté the mushrooms in two batches, adding 1 tablespoon olive oil for each batch. Cook about 5 minutes per batch until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer the mushrooms to a plate and set aside.
2. Step 2: Add 1 tablespoon butter to the same pan and sauté the diced onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the orzo and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Return the mushrooms to the pan. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, milk, and sprinkle in the Italian herb seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir constantly until the orzo is cooked al dente and the sauce thickens.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Fold in the baby spinach and chopped parsley just before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• You can use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different leafy green flavor.
• Adding a splash of white wine before adding the broth can enhance the depth of flavor.
• Use gluten-free orzo or small pasta shapes to accommodate dietary preferences.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream and spinach.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, replace the butter with plant-based margarine, use vegetable broth, substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut or almond milk, and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.

What can I substitute if I don’t have orzo?

You can use other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, ditalini, or even small elbows as a substitute for orzo in this recipe.

Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Orzo Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 89 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy mushroom and spinach orzo is a comforting one-pan dish featuring sautéed baby bella mushrooms, tender orzo pasta simmered in a flavorful blend of chicken broth and cream, finished with parmesan cheese and fresh spinach and parsley. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it combines earthiness and creaminess in every bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Mushrooms

• 1 lb baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbs olive oil, divided
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Base and Aromatics

• 2 tbs salted butter, divided
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Orzo and Liquids

• 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
• 3¾ cups low sodium chicken broth, room temperature
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
• 1/2 cup milk, room temperature
• 1 tsp Italian herb seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 4 oz baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

---

Instructions

1. Sauté Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Sauté the sliced mushrooms in two batches, using 1 tablespoon olive oil for each batch, cooking about 5 minutes per batch until nicely browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then transfer the mushrooms to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Toast Orzo and Combine Ingredients: Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast it. Return the mushrooms to the pan and pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Add the Italian herb seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Simmer Orzo: Stir constantly to prevent sticking and continue simmering until the orzo is cooked al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed, about 10 to 12 minutes.
5. Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the grated parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Finally, fold in the chopped baby spinach and fresh parsley until the spinach wilts and everything is well incorporated.
6. Serve: Serve the creamy mushroom and spinach orzo warm, garnished with extra parmesan cheese or parsley if desired.

Notes

• Using room temperature cream, milk, and broth helps prevent curdling when adding to the hot pan.
• Sautéing mushrooms in batches helps them brown better and prevents steaming.
• Stirring constantly during simmering ensures the orzo cooks evenly and prevents sticking.
• You can substitute vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian but omit or replace the butter and parmesan to keep it vegan.
• For a richer flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated varieties.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: creamy mushroom orzo, spinach orzo, one-pan orzo, mushroom pasta, creamy pasta dish, Italian dinner recipe