Name: Spinach Mushroom Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms (sliced); 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 2 cups fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional); salt and black pepper to taste; fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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When you’re craving something deeply satisfying yet wonderfully simple, Spinach Mushroom Orzo is the answer. This dish strikes that magical balance—creamy, cozy, full of earthy mushrooms, silky greens, and tender orzo that soaks up every bit of savory flavor. It’s a weeknight hero and a comfort-food staple, all in one bowlful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, Spinach Mushroom Orzo is a recipe you’ll turn to whenever you want something quick, nourishing, and impossibly delicious.

Spinach Mushroom Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—every ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. With just a handful of fresh staples, you’ll transform your orzo into a dish that feels special enough for guests yet is so easy you’ll want to make it on repeat.

Olive oil: Sets up a glossy, flavorful base that helps vegetables sauté to perfection while adding a subtle richness to the dish.
Yellow onion: Provides gentle sweetness and depth—finely chopping means it melts right into the orzo and doesn’t overpower.
Garlic cloves: Add a punch of aroma and complexity; make sure to mince for even distribution throughout the Spinach Mushroom Orzo.
Cremini or white mushrooms: Bring earthiness and meaty texture; slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate and give the orzo bursts of umami goodness.
Orzo pasta: The star of the show! Its rice-like shape turns irresistibly creamy as it cooks, soaking up all the savory broth.
Low-sodium vegetable broth: Infuses the orzo with savory flavor—choose low-sodium so you can season to your own taste.
Fresh baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a gentle green flavor that balances out the hearty mushrooms; chop it roughly so it wilts quickly but still has a presence.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends salty, nutty richness and helps create the creamy texture that makes Spinach Mushroom Orzo irresistible.
Heavy cream (optional): For an extra decadent touch; just a splash takes the dish from comforting to downright luxurious, but you can leave it out if you prefer a lighter version.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste—don’t underestimate this simple step for heightening all the flavors.
Fresh parsley (optional): An easy, bright garnish that freshens up the whole bowl and adds a pop of green.

How to Make Spinach Mushroom Orzo

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it shimmers, scatter in the chopped onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until it’s just softened and smelling sweet. Add the minced garlic next, cooking for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—that’s when the kitchen will begin to smell irresistible already!

Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms

Stir in the sliced mushrooms and let them work their magic for 5–7 minutes. You’ll notice them release their moisture, then start to turn golden and develop savory depth. The key here is to let them sit on the heat to caramelize before stirring for optimal flavor.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add the orzo pasta directly to the skillet. Stir frequently for 1–2 minutes—this toasting step deepens the flavor and helps the orzo hold its shape beautifully once everything comes together.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring every so often, until the orzo is perfectly tender and almost all the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach

Uncover and fold in the chopped spinach. It will wilt down in just a minute or two, adding gorgeous color and a burst of good-for-you greens to your pan.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and, if you’re feeling luxurious, the heavy cream. Stir to make everything creamy and cohesive. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like, top your Spinach Mushroom Orzo with a little fresh parsley for that final flourish. Serve it up warm, and savor every creamy, savory spoonful!

How to Serve Spinach Mushroom Orzo

Garnishes

A final flourish can turn Spinach Mushroom Orzo from weeknight staple to dinner party star. Freshly chopped parsley adds a hit of color and brightness, while a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil over the top brings richness and sheen. Try a crack of black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a tiny kick.

Side Dishes

While Spinach Mushroom Orzo is a satisfying star on its own, it’s also a versatile team player. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp green salad in a lemony vinaigrette, some roasted vegetables, or a basket of warm, crusty bread for scooping up every last bit of creamy sauce. If you’d like to add protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed white beans slip right into this dish’s cozy vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style comfort, serve Spinach Mushroom Orzo straight from the skillet at the table. For a more elegant touch, portion it into shallow bowls and top each with a swirl of cream, herbs, or even toasted pine nuts for crunch. Individual ramekins also make it feel special for a dinner party or brunch—don’t be afraid to play with presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Spinach Mushroom Orzo stores like a dream. Simply let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it the ideal make-ahead lunch or dinner.

Freezing

This orzo does freeze well, but for best results, skip the cream and cheese until reheating. Spoon cooled Spinach Mushroom Orzo into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding your creamy finish.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to your orzo and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring periodically until creamy and heated through. In a pinch, the microwave also works—just cover the bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot and silky again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While orzo delivers a particularly creamy texture, other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti can also work nicely. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the pasta you choose.

Is there a dairy-free way to make Spinach Mushroom Orzo?

Yes—you can simply omit the Parmesan and cream, and you’ll still have a luscious, flavorful dish. For a cheesy note, try stirring in a sprinkle of nutritional yeast just before serving.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Spinach Mushroom Orzo is endlessly adaptable. Try adding chopped bell peppers, zucchini, peas, or even kale. Just toss the extra veggies in with the mushrooms so they get a chance to cook through and soak up flavor.

How do I make it more filling?

For a heartier meal, stir in cooked white beans, chickpeas, or shredded rotisserie chicken during the final minutes of cooking. You could also serve it alongside your favorite proteins for a perfect balance.

Can I prepare Spinach Mushroom Orzo in advance?

Yes! This dish is great for meal prep. Simply store the cooked orzo in the fridge, and give it a good stir with a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring back its original creamy texture. Add fresh herbs just before serving for extra brightness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about the comforting creaminess and vibrant flavors in Spinach Mushroom Orzo that makes it impossible not to crave. If you haven’t tried it yet, now is the perfect time to bring it into your meal rotation—it’s quick, nourishing, and guaranteed to warm both heart and belly. Treat yourself tonight and see why this dish is a favorite in so many kitchens!

Spinach Mushroom Orzo Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful one-pot dish, this Spinach Mushroom Orzo is a delightful vegetarian option that’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms (sliced)
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 cups fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish:

fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic.
Cook Mushrooms: Add mushrooms, sauté until browned.
Add Orzo: Stir in orzo and toast briefly.
Cook Orzo: Pour in vegetable broth, simmer until orzo is tender.
Add Spinach: Stir in spinach until wilted.
Finish Dish: Add Parmesan, cream, salt, and pepper. Garnish with parsley.