Description
A creamy and flavorful garlic butter orzo recipe with sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach, cooked in a savory chicken or vegetable stock and finished with parmesan cheese. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a light main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Slice the mushrooms, mince the garlic, and rinse the spinach. Measure out your orzo and stock to have everything ready for cooking.
- Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden and tender, approximately 5 minutes.
- Toast Orzo: Stir in the dry orzo with the mushrooms and garlic in the skillet. Let it toast for 1 to 2 minutes to bring out a nutty flavor, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Simmer Orzo in Stock: Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking until the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10 minutes.
- Add Spinach: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the fresh baby spinach. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and is well combined with the orzo mixture.
- Finish with Butter and Cheese: Stir in the remaining butter for richness and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well to combine the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the garlic butter orzo while hot. Optionally garnish with extra parmesan or freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of flavor and color.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable stock for a vegetarian version or chicken stock for richer flavor.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a creamy, salty enhancement to the dish.
- For a vegan version, omit butter and parmesan and use olive oil instead.
- Be careful to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the skillet.
- This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or fish as a side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: garlic butter orzo, orzo with mushrooms, spinach orzo recipe, easy stovetop orzo, quick side dish, creamy orzo, parmesan orzo
