Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those hectic days when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- One-Pan Preparation: Minimal cleanup required, as everything cooks together in a single skillet.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a hearty meatless main course or pair it with your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika creates a rich and savory taste that will please your palate.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large, high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 2 minutes until lightly browned and softened. Remove half of the mushrooms and set aside.
- Cook the Orzo: To the skillet, add the uncooked orzo, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is al dente.
- Add Spinach and Cream: Stir in the fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt. Pour in the heavy cream and mix gently over low-medium heat. Avoid bringing the sauce to a boil. Season with additional salt and smoked paprika if desired.
- Combine and Serve: Return the reserved mushrooms to the skillet and stir to combine. If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Enhance the dish by incorporating vegetables like arugula, kale, asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers.
- Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan, Asiago, Gruyere, or Pecorino Romano for added richness.
- Herbs and Garnishes: Fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, or oregano, as well as chopped green onions or chives, can elevate the flavors.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by varying the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as cream-based sauces may separate upon thawing.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat. Add a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, milk, or broth to thin the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
What is orzo, and where can I find it?
Orzo is a type of small, rice-shaped pasta commonly used in Italian cuisine. It’s typically available in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute regular orzo with gluten-free orzo or use jasmine or basmati rice as an alternative. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
To make it dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk, oat milk, or almond milk.
What types of mushrooms work best in this dish?
Baby bella, crimini, white mushrooms, portobello, or shiitake mushrooms are all excellent choices.
How can I add protein to this meal?
Consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, scallops, lobster meat, crab meat, or salmon to enhance the protein content.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, thawed and well-drained frozen spinach can be used as a substitute for fresh spinach.
What should I do if the sauce becomes too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a small amount of heavy cream, half-and-half, milk, or broth to reach the desired consistency.
Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
SEO Optimized Description: Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo is a quick, one-pan Italian-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender orzo pasta combines with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce for a comforting and versatile meal. Enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian main or pair it with your favorite protein.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2 minutes until lightly browned. Set aside half the mushrooms.
- Cook the Orzo: Add orzo, chicken broth, garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt to the skillet. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Spinach and Cream: Stir in spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt. Pour in heavy cream and mix over low-medium heat without boiling.
- Combine and Serve: Return reserved mushrooms to the skillet, mix, and season as needed. Serve with optional red pepper flakes on top.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- For added richness, garnish with Parmesan or fresh herbs like basil or thyme.
- If the sauce thickens, thin it with a splash of cream, milk, or broth during reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
