Name: Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo (30 Minutes, ONE-PAN) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8 oz baby bella mushrooms (or crimini), sliced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup orzo (uncooked); 2 cups chicken broth (or stock); 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Herbs de Provence); 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 5 oz fresh spinach; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re longing for something comforting, simple, and impossibly creamy, Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo (30 Minutes, ONE-PAN) is your ticket to weeknight dinner greatness. Here, tender orzo simmers with hearty mushrooms and vibrant spinach, all soaked in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce. Everything happens in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze—which leaves you more time to enjoy all those savory, cozy flavors. A riot of color, texture, and taste, this dish instantly feels like the kind of recipe you’ll want to memorize and make again and again.

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo (30 Minutes, ONE-PAN) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo (30 Minutes, ONE-PAN) is how a handful of fresh, easy-to-find ingredients can deliver such bold flavor and rich texture. Each ingredient has a meaningful role, from forming the base of the sauce to providing pops of color and vibrance.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle, fruity base flavor and helps brown the mushrooms beautifully.
Baby bella mushrooms (or crimini): Offer a deep, umami richness and a hearty bite.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish to bring out its flavors.
Orzo (uncooked): This rice-shaped pasta soaks up the sauce, becoming ultra-creamy as it cooks.
Chicken broth (or stock): Enhances the orzo’s flavor as it absorbs the liquid; for a vegetarian option, use veggie broth.
Garlic (minced): Packs in aromatic depth and pairs perfectly with the mushrooms and spinach.
Italian seasoning (or Herbs from Provence): Lends a balanced herbal note that tastes like pure comfort.
Paprika: Adds warmth and an appealing hint of smokiness; smoked paprika works especially well.
Salt (again): Trust your tastebuds—season to bring the flavors together at the end.
Fresh spinach: Wilts into the orzo, bringing freshness and a beautiful, vibrant green touch.
Heavy cream: The magic behind the creamy sauce—don’t skimp for that unforgettable silkiness.
Red pepper flakes: Finish with a pinch for a little heat and a pop of color; you can always add more to taste.

How to Make Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo (30 Minutes, ONE-PAN)

Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms

Start by heating your olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Scatter in your sliced mushrooms and season them liberally with salt and pepper—this alone will make them irresistible. Cook for about 1 or 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and lightly browned. Transfer half of the sautéed mushrooms to a plate and keep them aside for a gorgeous finishing touch later.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

To the skillet (with half the mushrooms still in), stir in the uncooked orzo, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and the initial dose of salt. This mixture will soon be bubbling away and filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. The orzo will start soaking up all those savory liquids—stir occasionally to keep any pasta from sticking, and let the anticipation build!

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the skillet to a low boil, then drop the heat and let it simmer on medium-low. Cover and cook for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes to ensure the orzo cooks evenly and nothing sticks to the bottom. The orzo should end up tender but still have a pleasant bite—think al dente.

Step 4: Add Spinach for Freshness

When the orzo is about 5 minutes from being done, pile in the fresh spinach. You might worry the pan is too full, but the spinach magically wilts into the dish while adding a pop of green and a fresh, slightly earthy note that balances out all the creaminess.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low-medium (keep things gentle so the sauce stays silky rather than boiling). Give everything a good, gentle stir and watch the sauce come together in a luxurious, glossy pool. The Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo (30 Minutes, ONE-PAN) is almost ready for its final flourish!

Step 6: Finish and Season

Taste and adjust with more salt and a sprinkle of smoked paprika if you’re craving a little more earthiness. Stir in the remaining mushrooms you set aside earlier; they bring back texture and a beautiful visual finish. The dish is now both savory and vibrant—absolutely ready for the table.

Step 7: Serve with a Spark of Heat

Once the Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo (30 Minutes, ONE-PAN) is transferred to bowls or plates, finish by sprinkling red pepper flakes on top. This not only adds a festive color but always gets extra points from anyone who loves a subtle kick of heat.

How to Serve Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo (30 Minutes, ONE-PAN)

Garnishes

A final flourish of freshly grated Parmesan, extra black pepper, or finely chopped parsley can take your Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo (30 Minutes, ONE-PAN) from weeknight staple to impressive main event. If you like a little zing, a tiny squeeze of lemon over the top just before serving adds enviable brightness, cutting perfectly through the richness.

Side Dishes

This orzo is hearty enough to steal the spotlight, but it also loves great company. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some simple roasted vegetables. A loaf of crusty bread is practically required for scooping up every last drop of that dreamy sauce—a match made in comfort food heaven!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve the creamy orzo in shallow pasta bowls and swirl the mushrooms and spinach on top for a restaurant-worthy look. You can even portion it into small ramekins as a savory starter or pair with protein, like a roasted chicken thigh or a poached egg for a complete meal. Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo (30 Minutes, ONE-PAN) makes even the simplest presentation feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo (30 Minutes, ONE-PAN) will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as everything sits together, making it even more delectable the next day. Just make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing it up.

Freezing

While the cream sauce can change its texture a bit after freezing, you can absolutely freeze portions of this dish if needed. Store cooled orzo in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat slowly for best results.

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat leftover orzo gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen things up. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stopping to stir every 30 seconds until it’s heated through and velvety again.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo (30 Minutes, ONE-PAN) vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite vegetable broth for the chicken broth. The flavors remain robust and satisfying thanks to the delicious mushrooms and fresh spinach.

Does this recipe work with gluten-free pasta?

It sure can! There are some great gluten-free orzo or rice-shaped pastas out there—just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may need a bit less liquid or a shorter simmer.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely. Stir in cooked chicken, crispy pancetta, or even white beans to make Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo (30 Minutes, ONE-PAN) heartier and suited for bigger appetites. It’s an easy way to create a more substantial meal.

How do I keep the orzo from sticking?

Stir frequently as the orzo cooks, especially as the liquid is absorbed. Using a heavy-bottomed skillet helps, too, as it distributes heat more evenly and prevents burning or sticking on the bottom.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

You bet! Just thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it in. Stir it into the orzo toward the end of cooking so it blends right in.

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall in love with Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo (30 Minutes, ONE-PAN) the same way I have. With its cozy flavors, splash of green, and all the joy of big comfort in one pan, it’s a dish that deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Grab a spoon and dig in—you’ll be dreaming of those creamy bites all week!

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo (30 Minutes, ONE-PAN) Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 14 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo is a delightful one-pan dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. With earthy mushrooms, tender orzo, and creamy spinach, this recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal for any day of the week.

Instructions

Cook mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the mushrooms until browned and softened. Remove half and set aside.
Make creamy orzo: In the same skillet, add orzo, chicken broth, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt. Simmer until orzo is cooked. Stir in spinach, cream, and season with additional salt and paprika. Add the remaining mushrooms and serve sprinkled with red pepper flakes.

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding your favorite protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp.
Feel free to substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Saute, Simmer
Cuisine: Italian