Description
This creamy Mushroom Orzo recipe is a flavorful one-pan dish perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight meal. Featuring tender baby bella mushrooms, garlic, fresh spinach, and a rich cream sauce, it combines the delicate texture of orzo pasta with savory herbs and spices for a satisfying 30-minute dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms (or crimini), sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 oz fresh spinach
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Herbs from Provence)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
Liquids and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth (or stock)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms seasoned generously with salt and pepper. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until the mushrooms are lightly browned and softened. Remove half of the cooked mushrooms from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make creamy orzo: In the same skillet with the remaining half of the mushrooms, add uncooked orzo, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer orzo: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the orzo simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Add spinach: During the last 5 minutes of cooking the orzo, stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt into the mixture.
- Add cream and season: Pour in the 1/2 cup heavy cream and stir gently over low-medium heat. Do not let the sauce boil. Season with additional salt and smoked paprika to taste.
- Combine mushrooms: Stir in the reserved half of the cooked mushrooms to the creamy orzo mixture.
- Serve with red pepper flakes: When plating, sprinkle a small amount of red pepper flakes over the creamy mushroom orzo for a touch of heat and extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, add a little more heavy cream.
- The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo or an alternative small pasta.
- For a vegan version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream and omit mushrooms for a vegetable broth base.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired