Creamy Spinach Mushroom Orzo

Name: Creamy Spinach Mushroom Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 3 cups fresh spinach; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making this Creamy Spinach Mushroom Orzo when I want a comforting meal that feels both indulgent and nutritious. The combination of earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and creamy orzo creates a dish that’s rich in flavor but surprisingly simple to prepare. In just a few minutes, I can have a delightful dinner ready, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens while satisfying my cravings for a hearty meal.

Created by

Isla Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-15T13:04:42.744Z

Whenever I make this Creamy Spinach Mushroom Orzo, it brings back fond memories of cozy family dinners. I remember the first time I tried it at a friend's house; the flavors melded together beautifully, and I immediately wanted to recreate it. What works so well in this dish is the balance between the creamy sauce and the freshness of the spinach, which adds a lovely color and a slight crunch.

To achieve that perfect creaminess, I use a blend of heavy cream and a touch of parmesan. This not only enriches the flavor but also makes the orzo feel extra luxurious. The trick is to be patient while incorporating the broth so that it absorbs well without becoming overly soupy.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Silky orzo infused with a creamy, savory sauce
Nutritious spinach and hearty mushrooms complement each other perfectly
Quick preparation, perfect for busy weeknights
Comforting dish that satisfies both kids and adults

      

The Key to Creamy Perfection

One of the secrets to achieving that luxurious creaminess in your Creamy Spinach Mushroom Orzo lies in the heavy cream. When added to the hot skillet, it should just start to bubble, ensuring it melds perfectly with the other ingredients. This creates a rich base that clings beautifully to the orzo. For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche, which will still give you that tangy depth without sacrificing too much creaminess.

Cooking the orzo in vegetable broth, rather than water, adds an essential layer of flavor right from the start. The broth infuses the pasta with savory notes that enhance the entire dish. Remember to save a bit of the broth to adjust the consistency later if you find the sauce too thick. This technique not only makes the dish more flavorful but also allows for greater flexibility when preparing the final mix of ingredients.

Perfecting Your Sauté

When sautéing the onions and garlic, it's crucial to monitor the heat carefully. You want the onions to turn translucent without browning, which can take about 3-4 minutes over medium heat. Cooking just until fragrant allows the garlic to release its flavor, but be cautious—overcooked garlic can easily turn bitter. For a slightly sweeter flavor, you can add a pinch of sugar to the onions, which helps balance the overall taste of the dish.

As you add the sliced mushrooms, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This can cause them to steam rather than sauté, preventing those lovely golden edges from forming. Spread them out in a single layer and allow them to cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring. This step builds a gorgeous caramelized flavor that enhances the savory richness of the final dish.

Serving and Enjoying

For a delightful meal experience, consider pairing your Creamy Spinach Mushroom Orzo with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread. The bright, fresh flavors from the salad can balance the heaviness of the creamy orzo. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can elevate the dish beautifully. Alternatively, adding a sprinkle of chili flakes can add a nice kick for those who enjoy a spicy contrast.

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the orzo and the sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, just combine them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This not only allows for a quick weeknight dinner but also helps in maintaining the textures of each component without becoming mushy.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a delightful meal.

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
3 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have all these ready for an easy cooking experience.

Instructions

Follow these straightforward instructions to prepare your meal.

Cook the Orzo

In a medium pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes until softened.

Combine Everything

Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt for a couple of minutes. Then, add the cooked orzo and pour in the heavy cream, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper, and add the grated parmesan cheese.

Stir to combine and let cook for a few more minutes until heated through.

Serve

Transfer to bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy, hearty dish!

This dish is best enjoyed warm and fresh from the stove.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp to increase the protein content. You can also swap out the spinach for kale if you prefer a sturdier green.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this dish vegan, substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut-based cream can work wonders. Additionally, nutritional yeast can be used in place of Parmesan cheese for that cheesy flavor without dairy. For a little extra protein, try adding cooked chickpeas or lentils to the mix.

While the recipe calls for fresh spinach, frozen spinach can also be used in a pinch. Be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it before adding it to the skillet to avoid excess moisture. This can be a great time-saver, especially if you're in a hurry or don't have fresh greens on hand.

Make-Ahead Tips

To streamline your cooking process on busy nights, consider prepping your ingredients earlier in the day. Chop the onions, garlic, and mushrooms, and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. This way, when it's time to cook, you can efficiently quickly sauté everything. Pre-measuring your orzo and cream will make assembly a breeze.

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little vegetable broth or water to the skillet to restore the creamy texture. Gently heat over low heat while stirring frequently to ensure it warms evenly and doesn’t dry out.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and the Parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture from the frozen spinach before adding it to the dish.

→ What can I serve with this orzo dish?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.