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

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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 like risotto but simpler. Serve as a meatless main or side dish.

Ingredients

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  • 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 or 2 minutes until lightly browned and softened. Remove half of the cooked mushrooms from the skillet to a plate.
  2. To the same skillet with half of 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 about 5 or 10 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking, until orzo is cooked through. Add fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes.
  3. Add ½ cup heavy cream. Stir everything on low-medium heat – do not bring to a boil. Season with salt and more smoked paprika if desired. Stir in remaining half of cooked mushrooms. When serving, sprinkle a small amount of red pepper flakes over the creamy orzo.

Notes

Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For extra flavor, toast the orzo lightly before adding broth. Adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat level.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.rapidrecipes.blog/spinach-mushroom-orzo-creamy-garlic-sauce-2/