Spinach Mushroom Orzo is a yummy dish that mixes tiny pasta with fresh spinach and savory mushrooms. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
I love how simple it is to whip up for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s great as a side or a main. Your taste buds will thank you! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta is perfect for absorbing flavors. If you can’t find orzo, you can use other small pasta like ditalini or couscous as a substitute.
Vegetable Broth: While vegetable broth adds depth, you can use chicken broth for a richer flavor. Water is a fine alternative, just remember to season your dish well.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms are my favorite for their earthy taste, but button mushrooms are great too. For a twist, you could try wild mushrooms if they’re available.
Fresh Spinach: Don’t have spinach? Kale or Swiss chard can work well as alternatives. Just chop them into smaller pieces since they can be tougher.
Parmesan Cheese: To make the dish dairy-free, nutritional yeast is a nice substitute. It gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Get My Mushrooms Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking mushrooms right is key to adding flavor to your dish. You want them to be golden brown and not soggy. Here’s how:
- Use a wide skillet to ensure even cooking and enough room for mushrooms to brown.
- Heat your skillet before adding the mushrooms. This helps them sear and release moisture quickly.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if necessary, so they brown rather than steam.
Taking these steps will give you delicious, well-cooked mushrooms that elevate your orzo dish!
Delicious Spinach Mushroom Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (preferably cremini or button mushrooms)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Spinach Mushroom Orzo will take about 25 minutes to make, including prep time and cooking. You’ll spend just a little time boiling the pasta and sautéing the veggies, so it’s perfect for a quick and flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Orzo:
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the orzo and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
While the orzo is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté it until it becomes translucent, which should take around 3-4 minutes. This adds a lovely base flavor to your dish!
3. Add Garlic and Mushrooms:
Next, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Continue sautéing them for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are golden and have released their moisture. The aroma is going to be fantastic!
4. Mix in the Spinach:
Now it’s time to add some color! Stir in the fresh spinach, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach has wilted down. Everything should be looking vibrant and delicious!
5. Combine Everything:
To finish, add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the veggies. Toss everything together gently until well combined and heated through. Take a moment to taste your creation and adjust seasoning if needed. It should be bursting with flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Spinach Mushroom Orzo hot. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a beautiful touch. Enjoy every bite of your tasty dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for this recipe, you can substitute it with any small pasta shape like ditalini, couscous, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose to ensure it’s cooked al dente.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover Spinach Mushroom Orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s dried out.
Can I Use Frozen Spinach or Mushrooms?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from frozen spinach and mushrooms before adding them to the skillet. This will help prevent your dish from becoming watery. Sauté them slightly longer to ensure they’re heated through.
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the red pepper flakes or use just a pinch. Alternatively, if you like it spicier, you can add more red pepper flakes or sprinkle some cayenne pepper to taste. Just remember to add spices gradually and taste as you go!
