🍄 Mediterranean Mushroom & Spinach Orzo
🌿 Description
This Mushroom Spinach Orzo is creamy, comforting, and full of fresh Mediterranean flavor. Tender orzo pasta is simmered with earthy mushrooms, garlic, olive oil, and vegetable broth, then finished with fresh spinach, lemon, and a sprinkle of cheese.
It’s light yet satisfying — perfect as a vegetarian main dish or as a side with grilled chicken or fish.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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1 cup dry orzo pasta
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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2 cups mushrooms, sliced
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3 cups fresh spinach
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ small onion, finely chopped
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2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
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¼ cup grated Parmesan or crumbled feta
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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½ tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp dried thyme
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
Add mushrooms and cook until softened and lightly golden.
2️⃣ Toast the Orzo
Stir in dry orzo and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast (this adds flavor).
3️⃣ Simmer
Pour in broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
4️⃣ Finish
Stir in spinach and cook until wilted (about 1–2 minutes).
Add lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and cheese.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired.
🌟 Mediterranean Twists
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Add sun-dried tomatoes
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Stir in a spoon of Greek yogurt for creaminess
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Add toasted pine nuts for crunch
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Use feta and fresh dill for Greek flavor
🍽 Serving Ideas
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Serve as vegetarian main
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Pair with grilled salmon or chicken
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Add a cucumber tomato salad on the side
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Top with a poached egg for brunch style
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make it creamy without heavy cream?
Yes! Add Greek yogurt or a splash of milk.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes — thaw and squeeze out excess water first.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice.
Q: Can I prepare ahead?
Yes, store in fridge up to 3 days.
Q: Can I add protein?
Absolutely! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
