Description
For the Orzo:
1 cup orzo pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 cups fresh spinach
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for later.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until soft and golden.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Kcal: 330 per serving Servings: 4 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Creamy Garlic Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach every time.
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the orzo and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes to allow them to brown, then stir and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until golden and tender.
- Build the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms. Cook for about 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Wilt the Greens: Add the fresh spinach to the pan. Use tongs to gently toss the spinach with the mushrooms and garlic until it is fully wilted, which should take 2-3 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Add the drained orzo to the skillet. Toss everything to combine thoroughly. If the mixture seems dry or sticky, add the reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until your desired creamy consistency is reached. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Final Seasoning: Off the heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a silky sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer to serving bowls or plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile orzo dish can be served as a main or a side. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple grilled chicken breast, pan-seared salmon, or lemon-herb shrimp. It also makes an excellent side dish for roasted meats like pork tenderloin or herb-crusted lamb chops. For a vegetarian feast, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette.
How-to Summary
In summary, this 15-minute dish involves cooking orzo, sautéing mushrooms in butter, adding garlic and spinach, then combining everything with Parmesan and pasta water to create a creamy, restaurant-quality pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even fregola sarda will work, though cooking times will vary.
How can I make this dish vegan? Substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and use a high-quality vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast in place of the dairy cheese.
What other vegetables can I add? This recipe is very adaptable. Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, peas, or asparagus tips with the spinach.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? It’s best served fresh. If made ahead, it may thicken; reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of water, broth, or milk to loosen it up.
What’s the purpose of the reserved pasta water? The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and creates a creamy, emulsified texture without needing heavy cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Orzo: Cook only to al dente, as it will continue to soften when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Crowding the Mushrooms: Sauté them in a single layer to ensure they brown properly instead of steaming.
- Burning the Garlic: Add it after the mushrooms are soft and cook for only about a minute to prevent a bitter taste.
- Skipping the Pasta Water: This is the key to a creamy, cohesive sauce. Always reserve some before draining.
- Adding Cheese on High Heat: Always remove the skillet from the heat before stirring in the Parmesan to prevent it from clumping or becoming greasy.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary meal in just 15 minutes. The combination of savory mushrooms, fresh greens, and rich Parmesan makes for a comforting and elegant dish that is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Master the simple techniques, avoid the common pitfalls, and enjoy this deliciously creamy pasta any night of the week.