A creamy, cozy one-pan orzo dish loaded with savory mushrooms, tender spinach, garlic, and parmesan. It’s simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for guests.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
🔹 Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 250g mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
🔹 Liquids & Flavor
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup milk or cream (optional for creamier texture)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper to taste
🔹 Optional Add-ins
- Chili flakes
- Lemon zest
- Fresh parsley
🍳 Equipment
- Large skillet or saucepan
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Sauté Mushrooms
- Heat olive oil or butter over medium heat
- Add mushrooms and cook until browned (5–7 minutes)
🔸 Step 2: Add Garlic
- Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning
- Cook 30 seconds until fragrant
🔸 Step 3: Toast Orzo
- Add orzo pasta
- Stir for 1–2 minutes lightly toasting it
🔸 Step 4: Add Broth
- Pour in broth
- Bring to gentle simmer
🔸 Step 5: Cook Orzo
- Cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes
- Stir occasionally
✔ Orzo should absorb most liquid
🔸 Step 6: Add Spinach
- Stir in spinach until wilted
🔸 Step 7: Finish Creamy Sauce
- Stir in milk/cream and parmesan
- Season with salt & pepper
🔸 Step 8: Serve
- Garnish with parsley or extra parmesan
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve as side or main dish
- Pair with grilled chicken 🍗
- Great with salmon or shrimp 🐟🦐
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Brown mushrooms well for deeper flavor
✔ Stir often so orzo doesn’t stick
✔ Add broth gradually if needed
✔ Fresh parmesan melts best
🔄 Variations
🧀 Extra Creamy
Add cream cheese
🌶️ Spicy
Add chili flakes
🍋 Bright Lemon
Add lemon zest & juice
🍗 Protein Boost
Add chicken or shrimp
❓ FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes—thaw and squeeze dry first.
Why is my orzo sticky?
Needs more stirring or liquid.
Can I make ahead?
Yes, but add splash of broth when reheating.
⚖️ Approx. Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320–420
- Protein: ~10g
- Carbs: ~38g
- Fat: ~16g
⚖️ WW Points (Estimated)
🔹 Classic Creamy Version
👉 8–11 WW Points
🔻 Lighter Version
(Less parmesan + milk instead of cream)
👉 6–8 WW Points
✅ WW-Friendly Version
(Reduced cheese + broth-based)
👉 5–6 WW Points