Description
This Easy Orzo Pasta with Mushrooms & Spinach is a quick and flavorful vegetarian dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The creamy orzo is combined with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and spinach, then finished with Parmesan cheese and a hint of lemon juice.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo Pasta:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5–6 minutes until browned.
- Add Garlic and Spinach: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked orzo to the skillet and toss to combine. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Adjust Consistency: If dry, add reserved pasta water until creamy. Serve warm with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra richness, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese.
- Enhance the dish by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
