Delicious Spinach Mushroom Orzo Recipe for Healthy Meals

Orzo is a versatile pasta shaped like rice it goes great in soups, salads and even casseroles. Its unique texture and it’s ability to soak up flavors make it a great base for warm or cold dishes. Whether you’re making a big hearty meal or a light side, orzo just fits right in and makes everyone happy.

One of the best ways to enjoy orzo is in a spinach mushroom orzo. This dish mixes tender orzo with sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach so it’s full of flavor and healthy stuff. The colors look nice on a plate and it’s perfect if you want to impress guests or just have a cozy dinner at home.

This recipe is awesome for people following vegan or vegetarian diets since it’s completely plant-based and you can tweak it easy. Spinach and mushrooms pack in vitamins and minerals, while the orzo gives you carbs for energy. It’s balanced yet comfort food at the same time.

Here I’ll show you all the ingredients you need, walk you through each cooking step, and share some hacks to make your spinach mushroom orzo perfect. Plus I’ll throw in ideas for serving and swapping ingredients to fit your taste or diet.

Ingredients

To whip up this tasty spinach mushroom orzo, gather these items:

• Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta is the star, giving a comfy chewy texture.
• Fresh spinach: Full of nutrients, it adds bright color and light flavor.
• Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms work best for earthy taste.
• Broth: Vegetable or chicken broth will give the orzo rich taste.
• Onion and garlic: These aromatics build the base flavors.

Optional extras you might like:

• Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle adds savory depth.
• Olive oil or butter: For sautéing and extra richness.
• Herbs and spices: Thyme, salt and pepper can boost the flavors even more.

Nutrition note: Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, iron and antioxidants, while mushrooms give B vitamins and selenium. Orzo adds energy from carbs, so together it’s a balanced meal.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make your spinach mushroom orzo taste awesome:

Preparation Steps

• Clean and slice mushrooms: Wipe mushrooms with damp cloth to remove dirt, then slice thin so they cook evenly.
• Chop onion and garlic: Mince them small for best flavor.
• Rinse spinach: Wash under cold water and pat dry with paper towel.

Cooking Directions

• Sauté onion and garlic: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
• Add mushrooms: Toss in sliced mushrooms. Cook 5–7 minutes until they’re tender and have released water.
• Stir in spinach and orzo: Add spinach, let it wilt, then stir in orzo.
• Simmer with broth: Pour in broth, stir, bring to gentle simmer. Cover skillet and cook 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Final Touches

• Season to taste: Give it a taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
• Optional cheese: If you like, stir in Parmesan until melted.
• Serve: Dish it up warm, top with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for a nice finish.

Tips for Perfecting Spinach Mushroom Orzo

Choosing Fresh Ingredients

• Fresh spinach and mushrooms: Pick spinach with bright green leaves and mushrooms that look firm, no spots.
• Quality orzo: Check the label for durum wheat orzo—it cooks better and has nice texture.

Cooking Techniques

• Sauté veggies right: Let onions get golden to bring out deep flavor, don’t rush this part.
• Don’t overcook spinach: Just wilt it quick so it keeps color and nutrients, not turn to mush.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storing leftovers: Put leftovers in airtight container in fridge for up to three days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

Spinach Mushroom Orzo

This delicious spinach mushroom orzo dish combines tender orzo pasta with fresh spinach and earthy mushrooms for a comforting meal that is both nutritious and packed with flavor.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4 People

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• 1 medium pot
• 1 large skillet
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 measuring cups and spoons
• 1 colander
• 1 serving bowl

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms sliced (such as cremini or button)
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

 

• Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
• Add the fresh spinach, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
• Stir in the cooked orzo and lemon juice, combining everything gently. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
• Remove from heat. If desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

You can add protein to this dish such as grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.

Feel free to customize this recipe with other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a dairy-free option.