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Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 132 reviews

Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach is a flavorful and comforting one-pan dish featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in savory vegetable broth, sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and enriched with garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon juice. This quick and easy meal is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a simple lunch, delivering a perfect balance of creamy texture and fresh vegetable flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Orzo Pasta and Broth

  • 1 cup orzo pasta (200g)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (480ml)

Vegetables and Seasonings

  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (225g)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (60g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Fats and Flavorings

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm up for about a minute to prepare for sautéing.
  2. Sauté the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook them for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and have released their moisture.
  3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning.
  4. Toast the orzo: Add the orzo pasta directly to the skillet and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat it with the mushroom and garlic flavors.
  5. Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. This liquid will cook the orzo.
  6. Cook the orzo: Let the orzo cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
  7. Wilt the spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted and incorporated well.
  8. Add butter, cheese, and lemon juice: Mix in the unsalted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine everything and allow the cheese to melt smoothly into the dish.
  9. Season to taste: Add salt and black pepper according to your preference, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to ensure a balanced flavor.
  10. Serve hot: Remove from heat and serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, garlicky orzo with earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach.

Notes

  • Use vegetable broth or chicken broth for richer flavor.
  • For a vegan version, replace butter with vegan margarine and omit Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast.
  • You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • If the orzo absorbs all the liquid before it’s fully cooked, add a splash of extra broth or water.

Keywords: garlic butter orzo, orzo pasta recipe, mushroom spinach orzo, quick vegetarian dinner, easy one-pan pasta, Italian side dish

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/garlic-butter-orzo-with-mushrooms-and-spinach-recipe/