Spinach Mushroom Orzo is a delicious, creamy, and hearty dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Spinach Mushroom Orzo
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms (such as cremini or button), sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach (baby spinach works best)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or use a dairy-free substitute)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or thyme, optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Orzo:
- In a large pot of salted water, cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the garlic and sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and browned.
- Wilt the Spinach:
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it wilts down (this will only take about 2 minutes).
- Combine the Broth and Cream:
- Add the vegetable broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Combine with Orzo:
- Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, tossing everything together until well mixed. If it feels too dry, you can add a bit more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Serve the dish warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips:
- Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more variety.
- If you want a richer flavor, add a little more cheese or even a squeeze of lemon juice for some freshness.
- For extra protein, you can add grilled chicken or tofu.
This Spinach Mushroom Orzo is a comforting dish that works as a main or a side. It’s creamy, savory, and full of earthy flavors from the mushrooms and spinach. Enjoy! Would you like any other variations or similar recipes?