Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo
This One-Pot Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Orzo is pure comfort food—without the heavy cream! 🍄🌿✨
Why You’ll Love It
✔ One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
✔ Creamy Without Cream – Orzo releases starch, creating a silky sauce naturally.
✔ Packed with Nutrients – Loaded with mushrooms & spinach.
✔ Ready in 30 Minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
🫒 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
🍄 600g mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work best)
🧈 3 tbsp butter (adds richness)
🧄 3 garlic cloves, minced (flavor booster!)
🧅 1 small onion, finely diced (adds depth)
🌾 3 tbsp flour (thickens the sauce)
🥛 1½ cups milk (low fat works great!)
🍗 3 cups chicken broth (or veggie broth for vegetarian)
🍚 1½ cups orzo (or risoni) (absorbs all the flavor!)
🧂 ½ tsp salt + black pepper (to taste)
🧀 ¾ cup parmesan, grated (for that extra umami punch!)
🥬 250g frozen spinach, thawed & squeezed dry (nutrient-packed & convenient!)
How to Make It
🔥 1️⃣ Sauté the Mushrooms
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan over high heat.
- Add mushrooms & cook 3 minutes until soft. Remove & set aside.
🧄 2️⃣ Build the Base
- Lower heat to medium, melt butter, then add garlic & onion.
- Cook 3 minutes until onion is translucent.
🌾 3️⃣ Thicken the Sauce
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Slowly whisk in milk & broth to dissolve lumps.
🍚 4️⃣ Cook the Orzo
- Increase heat to medium-high, add orzo, salt, and pepper.
- Stir once, cover, and simmer 8-10 minutes (orzo should be tender but not mushy).
🥬 5️⃣ Finish & Serve
- Remove from heat, stir in parmesan, spinach, and mushrooms.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately while hot & saucy!
Pro Tips for the Best Orzo
✔ Use Frozen Spinach – More convenient & just as nutritious!
✔ Give Mushrooms Space – Crowded mushrooms steam instead of brown.
✔ No Orzo? No Problem! – Look for risoni, it’s the same thing.
✔ Timing is Key – The sauce thickens fast, so serve right away!
Make It Your Own
🌶 Spicy Kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
🍗 Want Protein? Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken.
🥦 More Veggies? Add peas, broccoli, or bell peppers.
🧄 Extra Flavor? A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of nutmeg works wonders.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Serves 4)
🔢 542 calories | 22g protein | 64g carbs | 21g fat
💡 Lighten it up: Add extra 1½ cups veggies → Serves 5 = 440 calories per serving!
Final Touches
✨ Extra parmesan (always!)
✨ Fresh parsley for color
✨ Crack of black pepper
✨ Drizzle of olive oil
🥄 Now grab a fork and dig in while it’s hot! 🍽🔥