Dinner · Vegetarian · One pot · Fall

Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Orzo

Name: Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 300 g cremini mushrooms, trimmed and sliced; ¼ tsp fine salt, plus more to taste; ¼ tsp ground black pepper; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ½ tsp dried thyme; 1 ½ cups dry regular wheat orzo pasta; 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 140 g baby spinach, roughly chopped; ½ cup 35% whipping cream; Hot water, as needed to loosen the pasta; Fresh thyme leaves, optional, for serving

Browned mushrooms, thyme and garlic flavour a pan of tender orzo. Spinach and a little cream finish this comforting pasta for an autumn evening.

Recipe by Tasty Recipes

Published 2026-09-12

40 min4 servings

Timing breakdown · 6 timed stages

Estimated total: 10 minutes of preparation and about 30 minutes on the stovetop, including browning the mushrooms and bringing the broth to a simmer. Pasta brands and pan widths can change the timing.

Preparation: 10 min
Cooking: 30 min

Cooking Step 2: 7 to 9 minutes
Preparation / waiting Step 3: 30 seconds
Cooking Step 3: 3 minutes
Cooking Step 4: 10 to 12 minutes
Cooking Step 5: 2 to 3 minutes
Cooking Step 5: 1 minute

Durations are taken from the method and may overlap. Some preparation steps are not timed. Optional stages are separate from the main meal.

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Creamy orzo pasta with browned sliced cremini mushrooms, wilted spinach and black pepper in a shallow ceramic bowl

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How to make Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Orzo

01
Clean the mushrooms and dry them before slicing. Prepare the garlic and spinach. Have the broth, cream and measured dry pasta ready beside the stove.
02
Heat the oil over medium-high heat in the skillet. Add mushrooms, salt and pepper. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until released liquid has largely evaporated and some edges brown. Lower the heat if the pan begins to smoke.
03
Reduce to medium. Stir in garlic and thyme for 30 seconds, then add the orzo and broth. Scrape up the browned bits and bring to a simmer, allowing about 3 minutes.
04
Keep at a gentle uncovered simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring along the bottom every minute or two. Taste the pasta: it should be almost tender. If the pan becomes dry while the centres are still firm, add hot water a few tablespoons at a time and continue cooking.
05
Fold in spinach in two additions. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until wilted and the orzo is tender. Reduce the heat to low, stir in the cream and warm gently for about 1 minute. Avoid a hard boil after adding cream.
06
Taste before adding extra salt. The pasta should be creamy and spoonable; loosen with a splash of hot water if needed. Divide between four bowls, add a few fresh thyme leaves if you have them, and serve promptly, as orzo keeps absorbing liquid.

Recipe questions

Is orzo a type of rice?

Orzo is pasta shaped like large rice grains. Use regular wheat orzo here. Rice and gluten-free pasta absorb liquid differently, so they are not direct replacements for this method.

Can I use white mushrooms?

Yes, substitute the same weight of white button mushrooms. Slice them evenly and allow their liquid to evaporate before adding the broth. A wide pan gives the mushrooms more room to brown.

Does this recipe contain cheese?

No. Starch released by the pasta and the measured cream make the sauce. Vegetable broth keeps this version vegetarian. It contains milk and wheat; check packaged ingredients for other allergens.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Refrigerate in shallow containers within 2 hours, at 4°C (40°F) or colder, and use within 2 days. Reheat only the amount needed, stirring with a splash of water or broth until the centre reaches 74°C (165°F). The pasta will be softer and the sauce thicker after storage.

What goes well with it?

Serve with a crisp green salad, or add our roasted broccoli with lemon and garlic alongside. For another warming orzo recipe, try our lemon chicken orzo soup with dill.

Cooking & storage

Use the recipe’s specific storage directions when provided. Read the food storage guide for chilling and reheating food, and the measures guide before changing portions or ingredients.

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Adapted from Julia's Album, using vegetable broth, thyme in place of paprika and a larger pasta quantity. Mushroom browning and broth-simmering technique also informed by Beth Moncel at Budget Bytes. Contains milk and wheat.

Adapted from Julia's Album: Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo.

Additional guidance: Beth Moncel at Budget Bytes: Parmesan Portobello Orzo · Health Canada: cooling, storing and reheating leftovers