Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the mushrooms.
- Sauté mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are browned and tender, releasing their moisture.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 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.
- Add vegetable broth and simmer: Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook orzo: Let the orzo cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Add spinach: Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes, mixing it evenly into the orzo.
- 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.
- 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
