Description
Creamy spinach mushroom orzo brings Mediterranean comfort straight to your kitchen with its rich, earthy flavors. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) orzo pasta
- 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups baby spinach
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional garnishes: Red pepper flakes
- Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare orzo according to package directions, aiming for a perfectly tender texture. Once cooked, thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, introducing sliced mushrooms to create a rich golden-brown caramelization.
- Introduce aromatic garlic into the skillet, allowing its essence to permeate the mushrooms and develop a deep, complex flavor profile.
- Gently incorporate fresh spinach leaves, stirring continuously until they transform from vibrant green to a softened, wilted state.
- Combine the reserved orzo with the mushroom and spinach mixture, ensuring each pasta grain is evenly coated and integrated with the vegetable medley.
- Eliminate skillet from heat source, then generously dust the dish with finely grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, tangy dimension.
- Season the entire preparation with refined salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Optional: Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and add a subtle kick by sprinkling red pepper flakes and chopping fresh parsley as a final garnish.
Notes
- Opt for whole wheat orzo to boost fiber and nutritional content, making the dish more wholesome and satisfying.
- Experiment with different mushroom varieties like shiitake or cremini to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Toast the orzo briefly in olive oil before boiling to enhance its nutty undertones and create a more robust taste experience.
- For a protein-packed vegetarian version, incorporate crumbled tofu or plant-based feta cheese as a delicious alternative to Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg