Description
Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender orzo pasta tossed with sautéed garlic, mushrooms, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This comforting and easy-to-make recipe combines buttery richness with savory herbs and vegetables, making it a perfect side or light main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables & Herbs
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (preferably cremini or button)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Dairy & Fats
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat fats in skillet: While the orzo cooks, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown.
- Wilt spinach: Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 2 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine orzo and butter: Add the cooked orzo and remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Add cheese and seasonings: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs if using. Stir until creamy and well mixed.
- Rest and meld flavors: Remove from heat and let the dish sit for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian, or chicken broth for richer flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste after adding broth and cheese.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
- Sauté garlic carefully to avoid burning for the best flavor.
- Orzo can be cooked slightly less than package instructions if you prefer a firmer texture, as it will continue cooking when combined with the broth.
