Description
This Easy Orzo Pasta with Mushrooms & Spinach is a delicious and comforting one-pot Mediterranean-inspired dish, packed with tender orzo, savory mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick vegetarian dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients with straightforward stovetop cooking to deliver a flavorful and satisfying meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups baby spinach
Finishing Ingredients
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened to create a flavorful base.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the aroma and taste of the dish.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and lightly browned, bringing out their rich, earthy flavor.
- Toast Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for 1–2 minutes in the skillet, which adds a nutty depth to the pasta.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts and combines well with the pasta.
- Finish and Season: Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season the dish with black pepper, salt, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. For added brightness, add a splash of fresh lemon juice just before serving if desired.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.
- Enhance the protein content by stirring in cooked chicken or white beans.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
