Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach Recipe

This Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Creamy orzo pasta pairs beautifully with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a touch of Parmesan cheese for a deliciously simple dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta (200g)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (225g)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (60g)
• 2 cups vegetable broth (480ml)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes.
5. Step 5: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Step 6: Cook the orzo, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until tender.
7. Step 7: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
8. Step 8: Add the butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
9. Step 9: Stir well to combine all the ingredients and melt the cheese.
10. Step 10: Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach.

Tips & Variations

• Use baby spinach for a more tender texture, or substitute with kale for a heartier green.
• Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Replace vegetable broth with chicken broth for richer flavor.
• Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like couscous or small shells work well, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

You can omit the butter and Parmesan cheese, or use dairy-free alternatives to keep it vegan-friendly.

Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 141 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach recipe, combining tender orzo pasta toasted and cooked in savory vegetable broth, sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich blend of butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Perfect as a satisfying side dish or light main course.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Orzo Pasta

• 1 cup orzo pasta (200g)

Vegetables

• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (225g)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (60g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Fats

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
• 2 cups vegetable broth (480ml)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)

Cheese and Seasonings

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the mushrooms.
2. Sauté mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are browned and tender, releasing their moisture.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Toast orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly brown the pasta and enhance its flavor.
5. Add vegetable broth and simmer: Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Cook orzo: Let the orzo cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
7. Add spinach: Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes, mixing it evenly into the orzo.
8. Finish with butter, cheese, and lemon: Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and melt the butter and cheese fully into the pasta.
9. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper if needed, then serve your Garlic Butter Orzo hot and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Use fresh mushrooms for best flavor; cremini or button mushrooms work well.
• Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version.
• For a richer taste, add an extra tablespoon of butter or sprinkle extra Parmesan before serving.
• This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Garlic butter orzo, orzo pasta, mushrooms, spinach, easy side dish, Italian pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, simple dinner