Ingredients
1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 oz (225g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
Cook the Orzo: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the orzo and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes lightly golden.
Cook the Mushrooms: Push the orzo to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes, until they release their moisture and become golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Add the Broth: Stir the orzo and mushrooms together and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
Add Spinach and Cream: Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt. If using, add the heavy cream for extra creaminess. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the mixture is creamy.
Finish with Cheese and Lemon: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve: Serve the Spinach Mushroom Orzo warm as a main dish or a side. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Notes and Tips
Toasting the Orzo: Toasting the orzo before adding the broth gives it a slightly nutty flavor and helps prevent it from becoming mushy.
Vegetable Broth: If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if you’re not strictly vegetarian.
Heavy Cream: Adding heavy cream is optional, but it makes the dish creamier. You can also use half-and-half or omit it altogether for a lighter version.
Variations
Add Protein: For a more filling meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the dish.
Cheese Alternatives: Swap out the Parmesan for crumbled feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables such as sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
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