Name: 30-Minute One-Pan Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups orzo pasta; 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth); 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version); 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Salt and pepper, to taste; ½ tsp dried thyme (or fresh); 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional); Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

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This 30-Minute One-Pan Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo a quick, comforting dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s packed with savory mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a luscious, cheesy sauce that makes it feel indulgent without the fuss.

30-Minute One-Pan Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ cups orzo pasta

3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or more, if you love spinach!)

½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Salt and pepper, to taste

½ tsp dried thyme (or fresh if you have it)

1 tbsp lemon juice (optional for a fresh zing)

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Then add the mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and their moisture evaporates. Stir in the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Cook the Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo to the pan and toast it lightly with the veggies for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring it to a simmer, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Add more broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Add the chopped spinach and stir until it wilts into the creamy sauce.

Add the Cheese: Mix in the Parmesan cheese, season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. Prep and cooking time combined takes roughly 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for a fast yet satisfying meal.

Variations

Make it vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of Parmesan.

Add some heat: Toss in red pepper flakes when adding garlic for a spicy kick.

More veggies: Add peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers to deepen the flavors and add more texture.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep it creamy and prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even small shells work well, but cooking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half works for a lighter version, or for dairy-free, coconut or cashew cream are great options.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the veggies and broth in advance, but I recommend cooking the orzo fresh for the best texture.

How do I keep the spinach from getting mushy?

Add the spinach at the very end of cooking just until it wilts to maintain its texture and vibrant color.

Can I add protein directly into the dish?

Absolutely! Adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even a fried egg on top makes it a more complete meal.

Conclusion

This creamy spinach and mushroom orzo recipe is one of those easy, flavorful dishes I return to when I want something comforting yet simple. It comes together fast, cooks all in one pan, and is endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m craving a cozy dinner or need a quick meal prep option, this recipe always delivers creamy, satisfying results.

Recipe:

30-Minute One-Pan Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and comforting one-pan dish with creamy spinach, savory mushrooms, and tender orzo pasta cooked in a luscious cheesy sauce, ready in just 30 minutes.

Instructions

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and moisture evaporates.
Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Add uncooked orzo to the pan and toast with veggies for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed. Add more broth if needed.
Stir in heavy cream and dried thyme, cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.
Add chopped spinach and stir until wilted into the sauce.
Mix in Parmesan cheese, season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.