Mushroom & Spinach Orzo: A Creamy One-Pot Wonder for Busy Nights
There’s something comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta—especially when it comes together in one pot with minimal effort. This Mushroom & Spinach Orzo is a cozy, restaurant-quality dish you can make in under 30 minutes. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor from sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and fresh spinach.
Unlike traditional pasta, orzo—a small, rice-shaped pasta—cooks directly in broth, soaking up every bit of savory goodness. The result? A creamy, risotto-like texture without all the stirring. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something nourishing, delicious, and simple.
Why You’ll Love This Mushroom & Spinach Orzo
- One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in the same pan—less cleanup, more flavor.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25–30 minutes.
- Creamy Without Cream: The starch from the orzo creates a rich, velvety sauce naturally.
- Nutritious and Filling: Spinach adds color, nutrients, and freshness to the dish.
- Versatile: Great as a main course or as a side dish for chicken, salmon, or tofu.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button mushrooms (sliced)
- 3 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Toast the Orzo
Add the orzo directly to the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir well to coat each grain in the oil and butter. Toast for about 1–2 minutes until slightly golden—this enhances the flavor and prevents the orzo from clumping.
3. Add the Broth
Pour in the warm vegetable broth. Stir and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo will absorb most of the liquid and become tender.
If it thickens too quickly, add a splash of broth or water.
4. Add Spinach and Finish
Once the orzo is al dente, stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese and heavy cream (if using), then mix until creamy and smooth.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Serve and Garnish
Spoon the Mushroom & Spinach Orzo into bowls and top with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Mushroom & Spinach Orzo
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic.
- Add mushrooms and cook until browned and tender.
- Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in broth and simmer until orzo is tender and most liquid absorbed.
- Add spinach, Parmesan, and cream. Stir until creamy and season to taste.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Mushroom & Spinach Orzo
- Toast the Orzo First: It adds depth of flavor and helps it keep a pleasant bite.
- Don’t Rush the Broth: Add it gradually if you prefer a creamier, risotto-like texture.
- Use Fresh Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms give a rich, earthy taste—avoid canned varieties.
- Balance with Acid: A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the dish beautifully.
- Make It Vegan: Swap butter for olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Optional Variations
1. Mushroom & Spinach Lemon Orzo
Add zest and juice of half a lemon at the end for a fresh, citrusy twist.
2. Creamy Garlic Herb Version
Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary while cooking for an aromatic depth.
3. Protein Boost
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
4. Spicy Kick
Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili oil before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic Butter Salmon – for a balanced, high-protein meal.
- Crispy Chicken Cutlets – to add crunch alongside creamy orzo.
- Roasted Vegetables – for a vegetarian dinner spread.
- Green Salad – with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Storage and Reheating
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
- To Freeze: Not ideal—dairy and pasta textures can change when frozen.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 410
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Calcium: 15% DV
Why This Dish Works
The beauty of this Mushroom & Spinach Orzo lies in its balance—earthy mushrooms and tender spinach folded into creamy orzo for a comforting yet wholesome dish. Each bite delivers umami, silkiness, and subtle garlic flavor.
It’s the perfect choice for busy nights when you crave something gourmet but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With just one pan, a handful of ingredients, and 30 minutes, you can enjoy a meal that tastes like it came from a bistro kitchen.
Fun Fact About Orzo
Despite looking like rice, orzo is actually pasta made from durum wheat semolina! In Italian, “orzo” means “barley” because of its shape. It’s beloved for its versatility—it can be used in soups, salads, pilafs, or creamy dishes like this one.
Final Thoughts
This Mushroom & Spinach Orzo is the kind of dish that checks all the boxes—quick, easy, flavorful, and comforting. Whether you’re making it for a simple family dinner or as a side for a dinner party, it’s guaranteed to impress.
With its silky texture, rich mushroom flavor, and pop of green spinach, it’s proof that a delicious meal doesn’t need to be complicated. Just one pot, a few ingredients, and 30 minutes stand between you and pure comfort food bliss. 🍄💚
Recipe Summary
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
