Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups orzo
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter
- 1 pint mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Start by measuring out your orzo and slicing the mushrooms. Dice the onion and mince the garlic for a flavorful base. Rinse and chop the spinach, keeping it ready for adding at the end.
- In a large skillet or deep pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and turn golden brown—about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add the orzo and stir. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Melt the garlic butter into the orzo mixture and stir well. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Before serving, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
- To keep this dish vegan, substitute vegan margarine or olive oil for garlic butter and omit Parmesan cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg