Description
Savory spinach mushroom orzo invites pasta enthusiasts into a Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey. Creamy textures and earthy flavors combine seamlessly, delivering a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or your choice)
- 3 cups (90 g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (200 g / 7 oz) orzo pasta
- 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) milk or cream
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- ½ tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Base: Melt butter and olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a golden foundation for sautéing aromatics and developing deep flavor profiles.
- Develop Aromatics: Add chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until onions become translucent and garlic releases its fragrant essence, without burning.
- Build Layers: Introduce sliced mushrooms, allowing them to caramelize and release their earthy moisture while integrating with the aromatic base.
- Toast Orzo: Incorporate orzo into the vegetable mixture, coating each grain with the flavorful oil to create a light, toasted texture that enhances overall depth.
- Create Liquid Foundation: Pour in vegetable or chicken broth, reducing heat and covering the skillet to allow orzo to become tender and absorb the rich liquid.
- Integrate Greens: Fold fresh spinach into the creamy mixture, watching it wilt and blend seamlessly while maintaining its vibrant color and nutritional integrity.
- Finish and Elevate: Stir in milk or cream, Parmesan cheese, and thyme, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve a harmonious flavor balance.
- Serve with Finesse: Transfer to serving dishes, garnishing with additional Parmesan and a bright lemon squeeze to provide a final, zesty accent.
Notes
- Control Moisture Carefully: Watch orzo’s liquid absorption to prevent dryness or mushiness, adjusting broth gradually during cooking.
- Toast Orzo Strategically: Briefly sauté orzo in butter and oil before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
- Manage Spinach Timing: Add spinach last and briefly cook to maintain vibrant color, nutrients, and prevent wilting into an unappetizing mass.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Remove skillet from direct heat when adding Parmesan to prevent separation and ensure smooth, creamy integration.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg