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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button) - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 ½ cups vegetable broth - ½ cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon lemon juice - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional) To make creamy mushroom spinach orzo, gather all your ingredients first. I like to prep everything before cooking. It keeps me organized and makes the process smooth. You need orzo pasta, which is small and cooks quickly. Olive oil adds a rich flavor and helps sauté the onion. A finely chopped small onion and minced garlic give a great base. Mushrooms bring umami and texture. I prefer cremini or button mushrooms; they are easy to find and tasty. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Vegetable broth provides depth and moisture. Heavy cream turns the dish creamy and rich. Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. Salt and pepper balance the flavors, while dried thyme infuses a warm aroma. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish, and fresh parsley makes it pretty. With these ingredients ready, you’re one step closer to a delicious meal! 1. Heating the olive oil and sautéing onion Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and clear. This step builds a tasty base for your dish. 2. Adding garlic and mushrooms to the skillet Next, add 3 minced cloves of garlic and 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook this mix for about 5-7 minutes. Stir often until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture. This adds rich flavor to your meal. 3. Incorporating orzo and toasting it slightly Now, pour in 1 cup of orzo pasta. Stir it into the mushroom mix. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes. This step adds a nice nutty taste to the dish. 4. Pouring in vegetable broth and adding thyme After toasting, pour in 1 ½ cups of vegetable broth and add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir it all together and bring it to a boil. The broth gives your orzo a nice depth of flavor. 5. Simmering the orzo mixture Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to keep it at a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally. The orzo should absorb most of the liquid and become tender during this time. 6. Adding spinach and cream for creaminess When the orzo is ready, add 2 cups of fresh spinach and ½ cup of heavy cream. Stir until the spinach wilts and the mixture turns creamy. This step makes your dish rich and comforting. 7. Stirring in Parmesan cheese and seasoning Finally, mix in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is creamy and well combined. This adds a nice cheesy flavor and a hint of brightness. 8. Serving suggestions with garnish Serve your creamy mushroom spinach orzo warm. For a lovely touch, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like. This adds a pop of color and flavor to your dish. Enjoy your meal! - Choosing the right type of mushrooms: I love using cremini or button mushrooms. They add great flavor and texture. Cremini mushrooms have a deeper taste, while button mushrooms are milder. You can mix them for a fun twist! - Cooking the orzo for the perfect texture: Cook orzo until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm, but not hard. Stir often to prevent it from sticking. You want each piece to soak up the broth without becoming mushy. - How to achieve creaminess without curdling: To keep your dish creamy, add heavy cream slowly. Stir it in gently over low heat. This way, it blends well and doesn’t curdle. A little lemon juice helps balance the flavors too! - Prepping ingredients in advance: Chop your onions and garlic ahead of time. You can also slice mushrooms and wash the spinach. Having everything ready makes cooking faster and easier. - Using pre-sliced vegetables and broth: If you’re short on time, buy pre-sliced mushrooms and ready-made vegetable broth. These small changes cut down prep time and still taste great! - Recommended skillet types: A good non-stick skillet is your best friend for this dish. It helps cook evenly and makes clean-up a breeze. A cast-iron skillet also works well if you prefer a little more heat retention. - Essential tools for easy cooking: Use a wooden spoon for stirring. A measuring cup for orzo and broth helps too. Don’t forget a sharp knife for chopping! These tools keep your cooking smooth and efficient. {{image_2}} You can swap out veggies based on what you have. Try zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots. Each brings a new taste and crunch. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or cashew cream. Both give a rich texture without dairy. Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh pop. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for heat. Want more protein? Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. They boost nutrition and make the dish heartier. For gluten-free needs, choose gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn. This keeps the dish tasty without gluten. Looking for vegan options? Skip the cream and cheese, using plant-based substitutes instead. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor too. To keep your creamy mushroom spinach orzo fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing it. This helps keep flavors intact. When you want to enjoy leftovers, reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of broth or cream. This will help keep it creamy. Stir well to mix in the moisture. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir in between. Yes, you can freeze this dish! To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of cream to restore its creamy texture. How do I make the orzo more flavorful? To make the orzo tasty, you can add spices. Try using garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also sauté the orzo in olive oil before adding broth. This step gives it a nice nutty flavor that enhances the dish. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. Frozen spinach can save you time and still adds great flavor. It may not have the same texture as fresh, but it works well in this dish. What's a good alternative to Parmesan cheese? If you need a substitute for Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast. Both can add a salty flavor. You can also use any hard cheese you like, such as Grana Padano or aged Gouda. How long does it take to cook orzo? Cooking orzo takes about 10 to 12 minutes. It cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. You want it to be tender but still firm to the bite. Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it later. The flavors will meld together nicely, making it even tastier. What kind of broth is best for this recipe? Vegetable broth works well for this recipe. It adds depth without overpowering the other flavors. You can also use chicken broth for a richer taste. Can I omit the cream for a lighter version? Yes, you can leave out the cream. Instead, add extra vegetable broth or a splash of milk. This change will keep the dish creamy without the heaviness of cream. This dish combines simple ingredients and easy steps for a tasty meal. You learned how to cook orzo with mushrooms and spinach, creating a creamy delight. The tips and tricks provided help you improve your cooking skills and save time. Remember, you can adjust flavors and ingredients to fit your taste. Leftovers are easy to store and reheat. Experiment with variations to keep meals exciting. Enjoy making this dish, and share it with family and friends for a comforting meal!

Creamy Mushroom Spinach Orzo Skillet

Indulge in this creamy mushroom spinach orzo skillet that's perfect for weeknight dinners! This one-pan recipe combines tender orzo pasta with savory mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich cream sauce, all ready in just 25 minutes. It’s comforting, delicious, and easy to make for the whole family. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore the full recipe and start cooking today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)

2 cups fresh spinach

1 ½ cups vegetable broth

½ cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.

    Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.

      Add the orzo to the skillet, stirring to combine with the mushroom mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the orzo to toast slightly.

        Pour in the vegetable broth and add the dried thyme. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.

          Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.

            Once the orzo is cooked, add the fresh spinach and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts and the mixture becomes creamy.

              Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is combined and creamy.

                Serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings