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Spinach and Mushroom Orzo in a Creamy Garlic and Smoked Paprika Sauce

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo is a quick and easy Italian-inspired pasta dish made in just 30 minutes entirely in one pan. It’s flavorful with garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Serve as a meatless main or side with chicken or shrimp.[1][2]

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 oz baby bella mushrooms or cremini, sliced
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 cup orzo uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth or stock
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs from Provence
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or more
  • ¼ teaspoon salt or more to taste
  • 5 oz fresh spinach
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet. Cook sliced mushrooms, generously seasoned with salt and pepper, on medium-high heat for about 1-2 minutes until lightly browned and softened. Remove half of the cooked mushrooms to a plate.[1][2]
  2. To the same skillet with half of the cooked mushrooms, add uncooked orzo, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer (medium-low) and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until orzo is cooked through. Add fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.[1][2]
  3. Add ½ cup heavy cream and stir on low-medium heat without boiling. Season with salt and more smoked paprika if desired. Stir in the remaining cooked mushrooms. Sprinkle red pepper flakes when serving.[1][2]

Notes

For extra protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp. Substitute kale for spinach but cook longer to soften. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.[1][2]

  • Author: Olivia Bennett
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Method: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American, Italian

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg