Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together quickly. This creamy, savory pasta combines tender orzo, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach, all enhanced with garlic and Parmesan. It’s perfect as a side or a light main course.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta (200g)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (225g)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (60g)
• 2 cups vegetable broth (480ml)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes.
5. Step 5: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Step 6: Cook the orzo, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until tender.
7. Step 7: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
8. Step 8: Add the butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
9. Step 9: Stir well to combine all the ingredients and melt the cheese.
10. Step 10: Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
11. Step 11: Serve hot and enjoy your Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine before the vegetable broth and let it reduce slightly.
• Substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach if you prefer a heartier green.
• Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a non-vegetarian version.
• Top with toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra texture and freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried spinach instead of fresh?

Fresh spinach works best for texture and flavor, but if using dried spinach, add it earlier with the broth and increase the broth slightly to compensate for absorption.

Is this dish vegan-friendly?

The dish as written contains butter and Parmesan cheese, which are not vegan. To make it vegan, substitute vegan butter and use a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast instead.

Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 110 reviews

Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender orzo pasta with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese and a touch of lemon juice, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory and fresh flavors, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Orzo and Broth

• 1 cup orzo pasta (200g)
• 2 cups vegetable broth (480ml)

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (225g)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (60g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Fats and Flavorings

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)

Seasonings

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the mushrooms.
2. Sauté mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are browned and most of their moisture has evaporated, developing a rich umami flavor.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Toast the orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to coat the pasta in the flavors and slightly enhance its nuttiness.
5. Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer, allowing the orzo to cook and absorb the liquid.
6. Cook the orzo: Let the orzo cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it is tender and creamy.
7. Wilt the spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2 minutes, which adds vibrant color and nutrients.
8. Finish with butter and cheese: Add the butter, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine everything as the butter melts and the cheese incorporates into a luscious sauce.
9. Season to taste: Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary to balance the flavors.
10. Serve: Serve the garlic butter orzo hot as a comforting main or side dish.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, you can substitute the vegetable broth with chicken broth if not vegetarian.
• To make this dish vegan, omit the butter and Parmesan, or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
• Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or parsley for extra freshness.
• Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives better melting and flavor than pre-grated varieties.
• Make sure to toast the orzo well as it adds a nice nutty flavor to the dish.

Keywords: garlic butter orzo, orzo pasta with mushrooms, spinach orzo, easy Italian pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta dish, one-pan pasta, creamy orzo