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Creamy Mushroom Spinach Orzo

Creamy Mushroom Spinach Orzo for a Cozy Comfort Meal

A delightful vegetarian dish featuring creamy orzo with mushrooms and spinach, perfect for cozy nights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo
  • 2 cups orzo pasta substitute with any small pasta if needed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil can switch to butter for richer flavor
For the Vegetables
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms any type of mushrooms can work
  • 1 medium shallot replace with onion or leeks if needed
  • 2 cloves garlic fresh is ideal, but garlic powder can suffice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves dried thyme may substitute, adjust quantity
  • 2 cups shredded baby spinach kale or other greens can be swapped
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version
  • 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth chicken broth works for non-vegetarians
  • 1 cup half and half consider heavy cream for richness or milk for lighter touch
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan nutritional yeast can be a vegan alternative
For Seasoning
  • kosher salt season to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper season to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced cremini mushrooms and chopped shallot; cook for 3-5 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour over vegetables; cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in vegetable broth. Let simmer, then stir in half and half and Parmesan until sauce thickens.
  5. Add cooked orzo and shredded spinach; stir well and cook for another 3 minutes until spinach wilts.
  6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients and taste seasoning after adding the broth and cream. This dish can be customized with chicken or different veggies.

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