Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Heat olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the mushrooms.
- 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.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- 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.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer, allowing the orzo to cook and absorb the liquid.
- Cook the orzo: Let the orzo cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it is tender and creamy.
- Wilt the spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2 minutes, which adds vibrant color and nutrients.
- 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.
- Season to taste: Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary to balance the flavors.
- 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
